On December 1 to 3, the 4th National Young People’s Planning Forum (NYPFF) On HIV/AIDS was held in celebration of the World AIDS Day. Led by the Committee on Children and HIV/AIDS (ComCHA) of the Council for the Welfare of Children, Community and Family Services International (CFSI), together with 70 other organizations from all over the country, gathered in a three-day event where youth representatives took the lead in discussing the national AIDS plan. Titled the 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan, this aims to guide the government and other stakeholders on how to meaningfully engage the youth as a “main partner” on HIV advocacy and awareness.
The two hundred youth delegates also met the newly appointed Philippine National AIDS Director and UNAIDS Country Director Lui Ocampo who gave insights on the victories gained in HV for the past 25 years, the changes they want to see now with the new leadership, and the challenges they pose to young people as the new HIV champions to reach the goal AIDS-free Philippines in 2030.
In addition, the Proxy Consent Protocol on access to minors for HIV testing was presented for the first time to the public during the said event. This protocol, developed by 25 government agencies and CSOs who comprise the ComCHA, serves as a guide on the standard and respectful care procedures on HIV/AIDS testing for minors to be implemented on a nationwide scale.
CFSI’s Park Avenue Inititative was a part the organization team and was represented by volunteers and youth delegates from Pasay City and Marawi City.
