Miss Universe 2016 was the most celebrated Philippine event so far. But what makes it extra significant is its advocacy on raising HIV and AIDS awareness and education through the National Charity Gift Auction. And Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) was fortunate to be named as the auction’s beneficiary that was held last January 23, 2017 at Forbes Ballroom, Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. The event was attended by the contestants from Miss Universe 2016, the queen herself, MU 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, notable people in the Miss Universe pageant, people in government and embassies, and various celebrities.
The night of glam and red carpet aims to raise enough funds to help people living with HIV (PLHIVs) and their affected families through:
1. PAFPI Sustainable Shelter Project that will serves as a half-way home for PLHIVs during a very difficult time in their lives.
2. Nutrition Feeding Program for PLHIV patients at San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) and PAFPI’s Bahay Kanlungan Drop-in Center. The nutrition feeding program aims to improve the health of indigent PLHIVs by providing them nutritional support like food and supplements. Provision of medical support like laboratories in treatment hubs or hospitals chosen by the patient.
3. Education, Information and Training Project (EITP) like such as HIV counseling to Testing Trainings, Learning Group Sessions (LGS), Support Group Meetings (SGM), guided group discussions, home-based care training workshop, and many others. The EITP not only aims to raise HIV and AIDS awareness but to also to teach PLHIVs and their affected families on how to take care of themselves.
4. Prevention Access and Advocacy Campaign (PAAC) is a health equity initiative lead by PAFPI to end the dual epidemics of HIV and HIV-related stigma by expanding access to HIV prevention. PAAC also aims to provide Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector, accurate and meaningful information essential to their social, sexual, and reproductive health. More so, PAAC’s primary focus is to engage high-prevalence and underserved communities by working with national and local organizations both private and public to develop, share and replicate successful HIV prevention and anti–stigma social marketing campaigns. PAAC also aims to stage prevention events and monitor the media for accuracy on HIV–related issues.
For questions, clarifications, or if you are seeking help, don’t hesitate to call us at (632) 404-2911 / 567-3506 / 528-4531 or send us a message on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pafpi.org/.