because they lack access to information on HIV. PWDs who may also be involved with MSM
are even further at risk.
Among IDPs. Cases include the experience and observation of a woman in the Sendong
Relocation Site where specific needs such as protection from GBV, information and education
on RH particular to the context of IDPs, and emergency facilities.
Among PLHIV. Persons Living in HIV (PLHIV) do not have access to condoms in the health
center. These are only distributed in social hygiene centers. But there is also a problem with
the availability of condoms in centers since some centers run out of stock. Health institutions
also has HIV stigma. PLHIV also experience discrimination from medical staff.
Among prostituted women. Efforts of NGOs including TISAKA and ALAGAD Mindanao have
thus far ensured that prostituted women are given adequate RH services especially
information about proper hygiene, contraception, and STDs and HIV. At the same time,
discriminatory practices are still observed in the CHO against trafficked and prostituted
women and children such as verbal degradation upon their visit to the CHO as well as refusal
to provide them HIV testing services.
BARRIERS/CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY STATE AND OTHER HEALTH
SERVICE PROVIDERS
1. UNSUPPORTIVE POLICY ENVIRONMENT
Cases include the TRO on Implanon which inhibits service providers from fully implementing
the RH Law.
2. LACK OF SUPPORT FOR HEALTH WORKERS
No training is provided for health workers. Barangay local officials are not properly
equipped with knowledge on HIV for which the DOH has to conduct an orientation. There is
also a lack in proper training for working with PWDs. The NMMC adds that health providers
lack confidence to apply the lessons that they have learned.
There are also cases of inadequate provision of supplies such as the limited supply of Lysol
for the health center. ICCW’s account that BHWs do not receive their allowance or salary on
time and no hazard pay is given to them since it is dependent on the availability of funds
from the city.
Nurses and doctors in hospitals, clinics and health center also suffer from chronic fatigue due
to the nature of their work. Consequently, some LGUs have not fully implemented the Magna
Carta for health providers which have led to health providers feeling demoralized. Incentives
for health providers are also not fully given. The NMMC also highlights that doctors, nurses
and medical staff suffer from patient cyber bullying especially when there are unmet needs
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