The 2nd year of QUILTS Awards: Recognizing Outstanding Health Facilities making a difference

 May 22, 2023 –  Ynares Events Center, Antipolo City

The EpiC QUILTS Awards on its 2^nd year continues to recognize outstanding health facilities and partner organizations that have provided care and treatment to people living with HIV (PLHIV). The awards ceremony was held at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, in time for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) Commemoration.

Quality Uptake and Improvements in Lifesaving Treatment Services or QUILTS is inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt – a global symbol of solidarity in the fight to end HIV and in remembrance of those who we lost from preventable AIDS-related illnesses. 

The QUILTS awards started in 2022 through the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project in the Philippines, which is led by FHI 360 and funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This event is in collaboration with the AIDS society of the Philippines and Department of Health (DOH) Centers for Health and Development in CALABARZON, Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

Teresita Bagasao, Project Director, EpiC Philippines

“Like last year, we continue to honor the outstanding work being done by various facilities, organizations, and local government units as they collectively provide quality care and treatment for people living with HIV,” said Teresita Bagasao, Project Director for EpiC Philippines. “The goal of QUILTS Awards is to empower these frontliners by recognizing their important contribution to end the HIV epidemic in the Philippines by 2030.”

There are 4 categories under the QUILTS Awards, namely:

·       Excellence Award for HIV Treatment Initiation

·       Excellence Award for HIV Treatment Retention

·       Excellence Award for Viral Load Coverage

·       Differentiated HIV Treatment Services (Overall Champion) 

The recipients of the awards were determined through the accomplishments of EpiC-supported facilities in greater Metro Manila based on data provided by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau. A panel of judges consisting of HIV experts and advocates from UNAIDS Philippines, Aids Society of the Philippines, and USAID determined the recipients of the awards based on criteria reflecting consistent quality delivery of HIV treatment services. These awards are in the areas of starting people living with HIV on lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART), ensuring that they adhere to this treatment, and finally obtain regular viral load tests. A person living with HIV that adheres to their ART can achieve an undetectable status, a point where the virus is no longer detectable in their blood and therefore cannot be transmitted sexually.

Some of the winners for this year in the four main categories are the following:

 

Differentiated HIV Treatment Services (Overall Champion) was awarded to Jose Lingad Regional Memorial Hospital.

QUILTS 2023 Champion

With over 250 participants, this momentous occasion unites passionate HIV advocates, dedicated medical professionals, and influential community leaders. This special gathering commemorated the tremendous strides made in the fight against HIV in the Philippines.

The crowd were also treated to electrifying performances by Drag Race PH’s Lady Morgana and the soulful duets, singer-songwriter Nica Del Rosario and artist Justine Pena. Indeed, it was a celebration of hope, resilience and progress towards a brighter future for those living with HIV.

HIV treatment services are provided FREE in the Philippines through the DOH, accessed from government clinics and community-based and private treatment facilities certified by the DOH. These services can be booked by Quickres.org.

The EpiC project is a five-year global initiative that provides strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control and promote self-reliant management of national HIV programs by improving HIV case findings, prevention, treatment programming, and viral load suppression. Through the QUILTS Awards, EpiC will continue to empower key stakeholders, partners and the PLHIV community in building a future where HIV services, from prevention to treatment, can be freely accessed by anyone without the fear of stigma.

Sa isang #HealthyPilipinas, ikaw ay #FreeToBeU