STD Management for HIV and AIDS Prevention - Path

seroprevalence. SafePack included a kit for syphilis treatment and
management of genital ulcers. Some SafePacks were also used in a DOH
study that reconfirmed the appropriateness of STD syndromic
management in Philippines settings.
Three models: Angeles, Cebu, General Santos
Following pre-pilot activities in 1997, the Triple S pilot was launched in
1998 in three cities, using three operational models. In Cebu, the selected
outlet was the reproductive health clinic operated by Bidlisiw Foundation,
an ASEP NGO partner. In General Santos, ten pharmacies whose staff
had already been trained in STD syndromic management were selected
as outlets, with management from the local pharmaceutical association.
The pharmaceutical association hired a coordinator, selected pharmacies
in designated red light districts, and distributed kits, collecting a 2 percent
charge to cover its costs. The third model, launched in Angeles, tested a
combined model of community pharmacy outlets and an NGO clinic.
[16, 18] In all of the models, the city’s SHC physician acted as a technical
resource to pharmacies and NGOs. [19]
No one model proved most effective in all places, although a 1999
evaluation suggested that the community pharmacy model is most
sustainable, particularly for symptomatic males who compromised the bulk
of Triple S consumers. Each site’s model developed according to the local
situation. For example, in General Santos, which has a strong
pharmaceutical organization and pharmacists committed to the program,
the pharmacy model was quite effective. In Angeles in 2001, funding
(non-ASEP) for the local NGO clinic was discontinued, and Angeles
continued with the pharmacy-only model. In Cebu, Bidlisiw had the
STD management for HIV and AIDS prevention
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