Philippines

Strengthening Young Key Population Services in the Philippines

Dates:  2021

Summary:

In the last decade, the Philippines has seen an escalation in the number of HIV cases among young key populations, with young males represent the majority of new infections. Sexual contact remains the dominant mode of transmission.

In 2021, ASHM International was engaged by the World Health Organisation in the Philippines to map the nation-wide service delivery networks for young key population services through using focus group discussions and participatory approaches.

We found community-based organisations play the largest and most crucial role in supporting young key populations to engage with and navigate the health system. Stigma and discrimination from health care settings was found to play a significant role in young key populations not seeking services. One of the key findings was that referral pathways and support must be broader than only the HIV response and include other physical, psychosocial and economic issues.  

ASHM went on to develop a theory of change for integration to explore the impact of these services and to strengthen care pathways for young key populations across the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) continuums of care. A point of care checklist and job aid was developed to assist both youth and health care providers to facilitate the provision of sexual and reproductive health care needs of young key populations. 

Acknowledgement of partners and donors: The World Health Organisation