PASIG CITY – Local government representatives from the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and CALABARZON were capacitated during a five-day HIV-focused leadership and governance training workshop to enhance their local government units’ (LGUs) HIV/AIDS response programming, implementation, and funding mechanisms. The activity was led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines in partnership with Prevo Design and Innovations.

In her opening remarks, UNDP Bangkok HIV and Health Group Policy Specialist Kathryn Johnson emphasized that LGUs are the backbone of the national HIV response. “You are the catalysts of change, capable of implementing policies and programs that directly impact the lives of those most affected. Your leadership and governance are crucial in scaling up our efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, provide care and support to those living with and affected by HIV, and combat stigma and discrimination,” she said.

The final output of this capacity-building activity is an HIV-focused collaborative project aimed at addressing HIV and health concerns and challenges in the representatives’ localities. These proposed projects include expansion of coverage of social hygiene clinic, intensified counseling, training of midwives and health workers, conduct of community outreach programs and barangay-level HIV testing, and establishment of peer support networks.

Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Research Planning, Policy, and Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief Dr. Delia Becina expressed her gratitude for the unwavering efforts and dedication of LGUs in addressing the HIV epidemic. "Your active participation and commitment to learning are truly inspiring. It is through your tireless efforts that we can hope to see significant improvements in the HIV/AIDS response within our communities," she stated.

According to the Department of Health's June 2023 HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) data, 51 percent of newly diagnosed cases in June 2023 were from NCR, Central Luzon and CALABARZON. UNDP Philippines, as a member agency of the UN Joint Team on AIDS, aims to help build resilient and sustainable health systems in these LGUs. The leadership and governance training is one of the core activities under UNDP's contribution to the United Budget Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) 2022-2026. UBRAF is a key tool that guides the implementation of the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 and supports the commitment of the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

About Prevo Design and Innovations:

Prevo Design and Innovations is a leading human-centered design and innovation consultancy firm specializing in people development and management. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on sustainable impact, Prevo Design and Innovation partners with organizations to unlock their full potential and drive meaningful change. For more information, visit https://www.prevo.org/

Contact  Information: Andyleen C. Feje, HIV Response Analyst, andyleen.feje@undp.org.