HIV Forum and Research Proposal Contest 2025

 

We made it!

When fires HIT close to us

As I entered the hospital for our usual rounds and for an annual photo shoot, I noticed a lot of patient tramsfers being facilitated, and a lot of people looking upwards.

Healthy

 You're healthy and you might not even know it.

#APMR2025

It's that time of year when I get dolled up and present my 10-minute annual accomplishment report.

Points to think about at 47

 

Questions to ask teams at the end of the year

 

Christmas Wish for Health

It's the #HealthXPH tweetchat before Christmas and people have started fo attend Misa de Gallo.

1.  What is your Christmas wish for the healthcare system of your country and community?

2.  What is your Christmas wish for your own personal health?

3.  Do you have any health resolutions this Christmas?

Small Changes in the Right Direction

You can't please everyone so don't even try.  It would just be a waste of time.

Serving a government hospital, we want to find ways to make things easier for employees and more efficient to deliver our targets. Innovation is key.  There is need to do research, and by this I mean:

1.  Identifying the problem

2.  Identifying the barriers and enablers to solving a problem - collecting data so that the solution is based on evidence

3.  Innovating on policies and process flows that can solve the problem by changing the way things are done, preferrably utilizing technology to make things easier and more efficient and less costly - analyzing data and making conclusions and recommendations.

4.  Discovering best practices that may be replicated and strengthened once there is proof of concept and proof of solution

5.  Monitoring and feedbacking and documentation to tell the story

What works and where did we go wrong.

Millenials tend to engage in things that have meaning to them.  They are no longer like their predecessors who would blindly follow and say "yes sir/madam" or instead of answering "no" would respond instead with "ok po, gagawan ko ng paraan..."

This feels like a sieve identifying needs versus wants.  It is important to focus on one's priorities so as not to be distracted by cheap frills and negativities.  Keep your eye on the prize.

LEADERS use their wings to fly

These are some of the things expected of leaders.

People are generally obedient to set rules if instructions are clearly given.  Leaders don't even need to give task assignments.  They just need to make sure the whole team has the same vision and that we are all moving towards the same direction.

Don't play favorites but use carrots or sticks.  Be generous with praise.  Be private with correction and criticism.  Give more emphasis on merit than connections.

Nobody is perfect.  Leaders need to lead by example exhibiting honesty and humility.  Asking for help is the best way to gain trust.

Sometimes you feel that keeping quiet and inhibiting oneself from making comments and expressing opinions is the best way to keep the peace, but it's like ducks in a pond:  above the water everything is calm and still, not realizing that underneath the tranquility, all the hidden negativities keep paddling where you can't see or hear them.  Better to be out in the open about one's feelings, thoughts and emotions compared to repressing and losing one's voice.

 

Labor and Delivery

Doing what I love doing - being part of the miracle of bringing in new life into the world.  It's like riding a bicycle.  You never really forget the skills and maneuvers, like outlet forceps delivery.  It's muscle memory!  It's a bit sad that this skill is slowly disappearing, but happy for mothers whose labor can be expedited without much harm to mother and baby if done properly.

Happy birthday Kalia!  You're a gift from God!

Ikigai

 

World AIDS Day 2025

 

📢 Key Messages for HIV Awareness and Control in Cebu

These messages focus on life-saving treatment, access to services, and overall wellness.

1. Treatment Works: HIV is Not a Death Sentence

 * Antiretroviral Vials (ARVs) are provided for free by the Philippine government through DOH-accredited HIV Treatment Hubs in Cebu (e.g., Kaambag Clinic at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center).

 * Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): Once a person living with HIV (PLHIV) consistently takes their ARVs and achieves an undetectable viral load, they cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partner.

 * The Goal: With consistent treatment, PLHIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives, and prevent new infections.

2. Know Your Status: Testing is the Gateway to Care

 * Testing is the First Step: HIV counseling and testing is the crucial first step to accessing comprehensive treatment, care, support, and prevention services.

 * Confidential and Accessible: Centers and community-based organizations offer free, confidential, and safe testing and counseling.

 * KAAMBAG Clinic is open on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, Fridays from 6:00AM to 10:00 PM.

 * Prevention and Protection: For those who test negative but are at high risk, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is available in Cebu's treatment hubs and clinics as an effective prevention method.

 * A Call to Action: Cebu officials and health advocates are normalizing testing, urging Cebuanos to get tested and integrate it into routine health check-ups.

3. Live Long and Strong: Healthy Lifestyle and Adherence

 * Adherence is Key: Taking ARVs daily, as prescribed, is the most important factor in achieving an undetectable viral load and maintaining good health.

 * Holistic Wellness: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (good nutrition, exercise, and mental health support) is vital for PLHIV to live long, productive, and fulfilling lives.

 * Erase Stigma: The commitment to a healthy life and the success of U=U helps in reducing the stigma and discrimination that remain significant barriers to prevention and treatment in Cebu.