ReachOut opens women's center in Angeles
Naspcp Newsletter. National Aids/Std Prevention and Control Program 1995: 1 P
1995
PMID: 12347463 Document Number: 260663
In the Philippines, ReachOut AIDS Education Foundation opened a reproductive health center for female sex workers in Angeles City; the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) provided funds. The women will be counseled about prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); genital health; and family planning. Establishment-based and freelance sex workers will be trained to provide outreach education to fellow workers. Condoms and educational materials will be distributed along with affordable meals. Legal aid, alternative livelihood projects, and rehabilitation will be provided. ReachOut actively coordinates with the Angeles City Health Department, the Task Force on AIDS, and the League of Angeles City Entertainers and Managers. ReachOut has a similar program, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in the City of Makati. Another will be established in Baguio City, and a mobile STD clinic will be assigned to the Manila port areas frequented by stevedores, port handlers, seafarers, and truck drivers. ReachOut also runs education projects, targeting various population groups, in beerhouses, and operates the AIDS Helpline, a telephone counseling service for the general public. An AIDS Mobile Van provides counseling to female sex workers in Pasay. ReachOut also provides free HIV antibody tests, STD diagnosis and treatment, family planning counseling and service, training, and seminars. ReachOut projects are funded by UNFPA, AUSAID, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Japanese government.