PAFPI Conducted for the 1st Time Face-to-Face HIV Counseling to Testing (HCT) Training after Covid19 Pandemic Hit the Country in 2020

MANILA, Philippines — PAFPI conducted face-to-face HCT Training for the first time since the COVID-19 global health pandemic hit the country in early 2020. Due to the pandemic, all corporate and NGO operations and physical work contacts were suspended and limited to online work and meetings, including PAFPI’s HCT training. Now that COVID-19 is nearing its end and public health safety is assured by the Department of Health (DOH), public and private offices are able to resume normal office work. The DOH strongly encourages conducting HCT Training in person.

The HCT Training took place at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, located at 925 Doroteo Jose Street corner Rizal Avenue, Santa Cruz, Manila City, from April 15 to April 19, 2024. The training team consisted of DOH-Certified Master HIV Counselor Ms. Jezamae Encabo and DOH-Certified HIV Trainers Dr. Nicole Dela Cruz and Uly Nicole Borres. They were responsible for conducting, facilitating, and endorsing trainees for inclusion in the roster of DOH-Certified HIV Counselors. Fifteen (15) trainees were successfully endorsed for DOH HCT Certification.

The Importance of HCT Training

Face-to-Face HCT Training provides education and skills development for individuals who will provide counseling and support services to people living with HIV or those at risk of HIV infection. This training is typically done in person through workshops, seminars, or other interactive sessions.

During HCT Training, participants learn about the basics of HIV/AIDS, the importance of counseling and support services in HIV prevention and treatment, communication techniques for discussing sensitive topics related to HIV, and strategies for promoting healthy behaviors and reducing risk.

The program features role-playing, case studies, and group discussions, allowing participants to practice counseling skills and build confidence in supporting individuals affected by HIV. Additionally, trainees receive crucial information regarding local resources, referral services, and best practices in HIV counseling.

Face-to-Face HCT Training is crucial for developing the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to effectively empower individuals living with HIV and help prevent the spread of the virus in communities.

Training in face-to-face HIV counseling and testing (HCT) is extremely important for several reasons:

• Reducing Stigma and Fear: Trained counselors are equipped to address sensitive topics with compassion, reducing negative judgment and fear, thus encouraging testing and care.

• Informed Consent: Effective training ensures counselors clearly explain the testing process, potential outcomes, and implications, empowering clients to make informed decisions.

• Linkage to Care: Trained counselors play a vital role in connecting those who test positive for HIV to appropriate care, treatment options, and support networks.

• Community Engagement: These programs often include activities to raise awareness, fight stigma, and encourage healthy behaviors within the community.

• Quality Assurance: Training ensures counselors follow established protocols and ethical standards, maintaining the reliability of testing services and follow-up care.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Accurate documentation of interactions and results by trained counselors helps assess program effectiveness and guides future improvements.

In summary, training in face-to-face HIV counseling and testing is crucial for providing high-quality, client-centered services that promote HIV prevention, testing, and linkage to care. It enables counselors to address the unique needs of clients, establishes trust and rapport, and supports broader efforts to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

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