City Report and Action Plan

Olongapo

Dr. Nilda Montoya
Head, Social Hygiene Services
City Health Department
Olongapo City Government
Philippines

CITY REPORT

Olongapo is situated on the west coast of central Luzon and has a population of approximately 250,000. Until 1992, the city existed in the shadow of the largest U.S. military base outside the United States. Having an absence of agricultural and manufacturing industries, the city is promoting itself as a center for services and trade. It is aiming to become a free port zone, and is developing its potential for tourism and cultural attraction. The population structure is as follows: 35% are below age 16, 62% are age 16-74, and 3% are age 65 and over.

Being a highly urbanized city, Olongapo is independent of the province. The mayor, vice mayor and city council members are elected. The vice mayor and the council function as the legislative body while the mayor is the local chief executive. Under the mayor there are various departments that carry out the execution and enforcement of national and local laws.

Reproductive Health

Essentially, programs on health are guided by policy and programs mandated by the Department of Health at the national level. Local governments are permitted to enhance and improve on these initiatives. Some ordinances and executive orders formulated in Olongapo over the past eight years include (1) recognition of the HIV/AIDS Core Team at James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital and provision of necessary funds, (2) upgrading of certain health examination fees at the city social hygiene clinic, (3) required quarantine for suspected SARS-infected persons and sanction for violation, (4) establishment of a task force to review and monitor current activities and projects relating to adolescent reproductive health, (5) establishment of a task force to monitor and assess current programs and projects on reproductive health and (6) establishment of an AIDS council to evaluate current programs and activities for prevention and control against STDs and HIV/AIDS.

The city has expanded its immunization program and currently 98% of infants are covered. However, some mothers lack knowledge about immunization and accessibility can be considered a constraint.

Relating to family planning, means of contraception are being provided and promoted. Campaigns are conducted in schools and counseling is available to young couples. However, there remain misconceptions of the effect of contraceptives and religious beliefs tend to serve as a deterrent.

HIV/AIDS

There have been no cases of HIV/AIDS in Olongapo. The city does not handle testing for HIV/AIDS. At present, the city's social hygiene clinic is conducting serology examinations by RPR, TPHA and HBs AG, and under the STD control program, smear examinations by culture and gram staining are being carried out. Patients diagnosed as positive in an RPR test are requested to be tested for HIV/AIDS. However, due to the high cost of the test, most patients decline. For examination and treatment of HIV/AIDS, cases are referred to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, which charges fees for these services.

ACTION PLAN

Goal

Preventing the further spread of HIV/AIDS.

Objectives

General objectives:

1. Provide adolescents with knowledge and understanding about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
2. To increase the percentage of adolescents practicing risk-free behaviors.
3. For a person infected with HIV, to improve their access to quality information, treatment and support.
4. To improve the attitude toward people infected with HIV.
5. To improve the efficiency and quality of programs and services for adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.

Specific objectives:
To instill in adolescents the importance of life.

Target group

41,545 adolescents (15-24 years old).

Activities/strategies

Preparation phase:

1. Orientation of adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS task force.
2. Incorporate adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS in school curriculum.
3. Establish an adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS counselor at the city and village level.
4. Expand and improve programs targeted to vulnerable groups.
5. Strengthen preventive programs.

Implementation phase:

1. Strengthen management support system.
2. Integrate stigma reduction measures.
3. Obtain HIV testing kits.
4. Conduct training on HIV/AIDS.
5. Conduct lectures on behavior changes, fertility awareness and moral values.
6. Promote delayed marriage to youths both in and out of school.
7. Create peer counseling programs for youths both in and out of school.
8. Use mass media to communicate information about adolescent reproductive health.
9. Conduct school program regarding adolescent fertility and empowering Filipino youth.
10. Monitor and evaluate program.

Responsible persons:

1. City mayor and city officials.
2. City health personnel.
3. School officials.
4. NGOs.
5. Department of Social Welfare.
6. Youths at community level.
7. Community officials.
8. Health counselors.

Budget

1,000 U.S. dollars

Output indicators

Preparation phase:

1. Understanding the roles of adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS task force.
2. Increasing the knowledge of school and out-of-school youth on adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.

Implementation phase:

1. Number of trainers trained.
2. Number of NGOs, community officials, youth and counselors involved.
3. Understanding of physical and behavioral changes by youth.
4. Understanding of benefits of delayed marriage by youth.
5. Establishment of peer counselors.
6. Increased adolescent awareness of HIV/AIDS and STDs.
7. Youth well-informed about fertility and empowerment.
8. Sustain programs on adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.