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COMMUNITY NEWS

Volontariato Internazionale Donna Educazione Sviluppo

Medical Mission at Pasay, Manila

May 30, 2009 6:30AM to 12:00NN

Beneficiaries: 300-350 Children

Volunteers needed: Doctors/Nurses/Pharmacists

Any youth volunteer who can assist in the dispensary

of meds, distribution of food, and coordination of the patients.

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

Philippine-Healthnet E-Volunteers

Name: PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET
Profession: Doctors/Dentists/Nurses/CHWs/PTs/OTs
E-mail Address: philippinehealthnet@gmail.com
Interests: Networking, Charity, Health, Photography, Arts
Volunteerism: Univ. of the Philippines Pahinungod, VIDES International, Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc., Philippine-Healthnet Contributor

If you would like to contribute photos, links and articles to the Philippine-Healthnet, be a an E-Volunteer. Check the news as well for announcements and upcoming events.

COPYRIGHT @ PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello

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HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS

Assisi Development Foundation

Coverage of Services: Indigenous Peoples Education & Scholarship,Community Development, Alternative Health Care, Feeding or Nutrition The training arm of Hapag-asa in partnership with Pondo ng Pinoy

Benjamin D. Abadiano
President

5th Floor, Prestige Tower, Ortigas City
Tel. No. (02)632-1001 to 03
Fax: (02) 632-7844
http://www.assisi-foundation.org/

Bukas Sarili Foundation, Inc
A non-stock, non-profit organization formed to respond to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing Filipino development. With the Internal Medicine Ward in PGH as its main focus. www .bukassarili .org

Council for Health and Development (CHD)

Develops partnership with government and nongovernment agencies for community-based programs in the Philippines. Scope of services: Health Advocacies, Community Development,Medical Mission

Dr. Eleanor A. Jara
Executive Director

72-A Times St. West Triangle, 1104 Quezon City
Telefax: (02) 926 8536
chd@pacific.net.ph

Control Protect
With introduction to the project, membership, and contact information. -www.controlprotect .tripod .com

Deparment of Health (DOH)

The Department of Health (DOH) is the principal health agency in the Philippines. It is responsible for ensuring access to basic public health services to all Filipinos through the provision of quality health care and regulation of providers of health goods and services.

Dr. Francisco T. Duque III
loc. 1125/1126; 743-6393; 743-1829 TF
Secretary
ftduque@co.doh.gov.ph

Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. (FOLPMI)
FOLPMI is a charitable, non-political, non-profit, non-stock organization dedicated to the total development of the poor and underprivileged in the Philippines. Their programs include Scholarships, Day Care Centers, Livelihood, Microfinance, Medical Missions, 2ndary Hospitalization, Community Health Workers Training, Aeta Resettlement & Rehabilitation
Our Lady of Peace Hospital
Barangay San Dionisio, Coastal Road, Paranaque, Metro Manila
Telefax: (63) (02) 8257653
FOLPMI2000@yahoo.com

Hands On Manila (HOM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing members with diverse, flexible volunteer opportunities that address the needs of the community. Membership in HOM is free and open to all interested persons, groups and corporations.

HANDS ON MANILA Unit 412 La Fueza Plaza Bldg.2241 Don Chino Roses AvenueMakati City, Phils. 1231 Website: http://www.handsonmanila.orgEmail: info@handsonmanila.org Tel. No. (632) 386-6521

Health Action Information Network
A non-profit non-government organization in the Philippines. Includes links and a searchable database of Health Alert articles. It believes that health comes with empowering people and communities with access to objective and accurate information on health care to make their own decisions and to organize for their rights. With the help of its vast information network, HAIN seeks to provide information at the local level, where it is needed the most.
http://www.hain%20.org/

Human Organ Preservation Effort (H.O.P.E.)
A non-profit organization in the Philippines under the umbrella of the National Kidney & Transplant Institute. Includes links to information on donor types, patient requirements and organ donor card.

HOPE c/o National Kidney and Transplant Institute
East Avenue, Diliman, QC 1100, Philippines
Call: +63-2-924-3601
Fax: +63-2-920-1038
E-mail: transplant@geocities.com

Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP)

The IMAP became a full-fledged training institution for midwives on maternal and childcare. This created an opportunity for government-employed midwives to enhance their knowledge and skills in their work and to utilize the CSC accreditation for future placement

Address:

Pinaglabanan corner Ejercito Streets, San Juan, Metro Manila

Tel No.: 70-35-35

Date of Accreditation : September 5, 1975

In Touch Community Services
Operates a crisis hotline and professional counseling center providing services to Filipino and expatriate clients. Also conducts personal growth and cross-culture training programs. -www .in-touch .org

Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation
Holistic Cleft Lip and Palate Management

Consultation Hours: 8:00am to 12:00nn Weekdays

Dr. Glenda Devilla
Executive Officer

Our Lady of Peace Hospital Compound
Tel/Fax (02)829-5775
Local 134

Ophthalmological Foundation of the Philippines
Services: Eye Treatment and Surgery for Indigent Patients (Cataract/Glaucoma)

Consultation Hours: 8:30am to 12:00nn Weekdays

Dr. Merlito Briones
Executive Officer
Our Lady of Peace Hospital Compound
Tel/ Fax (02)829-5775
Local 122

Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines
Information on the important aspects of the disease. With links to disease information, detection, treatment and prevention.
www .ospi .org .ph

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office

Provides medical assistance to indigent patients. Write to the chairman below for subsidy of hospital fees and for free medicines for medical mission.

3rd Floor PCSO Main Building

E. Rodriguez St. Ave., Quezon City NCR

+63(2) 7494371

http://www.pcso.gov.ph/

Hon. Sergio O. Valencia

Chairman

3rd Floor PCSO Main Building,

E. Rodriguez St., Ave Quezon City

Voice:+63(2) 7494371 Fax:+63(2) 7491363

Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc
German Funding Organization for Community-Based Development Programs

Ms. Lourdes “Lulu” Cipriano
Philippine Coordinator

2nd Flr., 1052 Building, 1052 J. Nakpil Street, Malate, Manila
Telefax: (02) 521 3381
Email: pmpsecretariat@yahoo.com
pmpsecretariat@yahoo.com

Philippine National Red Cross

PNRC provides six major services: Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Community Health and Nursing, Social Services and the Volunteer Service. All of them embody the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These values guide and inspire all Red Cross staff and volunteers, to whom being a Red Crosser is more than just a philosophy but a way of life. Hotline at 527-0000.

PNRC Manila Chapter
Gen. Luna cor Victoria st. Intramuros, Manila
Tele-fax 527-21-61/527-35-95

Philippine Nurse Association (PNA)

The FNA which was renamed Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) in 1962 continues to uphold its vision to uplift the ideals and spirit of the nursing profession in the country and to win for the profession the respect and recognition of the international community. The PNA provide board and lodging to its members at a minimal cost. Below is the address:

1663 F. Tirona Benitez StreetTaft Avenue, Malate Manila

Tel No.: 58-30-92 ; 50-15-45

Date of Accreditation : September 15, 1975

Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists
Provides information on the society. With links to its committees, members, activities and anesthesia-related sites.
www .psa-ph .org

Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc.
Dedicated to the prevention, treatment and control of tuberculosis in the country. -www .ptsi .org .ph

San Carlos City Medical Society
Organization organized on 1966 by a group of physicians led by Dr. Oscar Quisumbing, Sr. Website contains history, officers, and activities.
www .geocities .com/sancarlosmedicalsociety

The Luke Society - Philippines
Christian medical and dental clinic in Quezon, Palawan, with outreach clinics and community health training directed by Dr. Suzie Cayaon.
www .lukesociety .org/profiles/philippines .html

University of the Philippines - Pahinungod

This is the service arm of the UP System which is based in the UP-Manila campus near the PGH employee's clinic. Services offered include assistance in Medical Mission, Street Kids education and training, Summer Immersion Program, Tutorial for kids, Emergency Room Volunteer and the Gurong Pahinungod.

Office of Pahinungód and Continuing Education

Mezzanine Floor, PGH Central Block, Taft Avenue

ManilaTelephone: (+632) 5266951, 5218450 loc 3962

Telefax: (+632) 5266950Cell No:(+63) 916 7672760

E-mail:http://pahinungod.org/emailus.htm

Website:http://pahinungod.org/aboutus.htmE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

How to Conduct a Medical Mission?

This is answer to Dr. Genevieve Yap's question.

Medical mission is an effective event that can mobilize members of the community and stir an otherwise sleepy organization or town. With free medical, dental and/or surgical services, it could easily qualify for a town festival in the Philippines. Whether it is for political or humanitarian reasons, there are rules of engagement and here are a few tips:

1.) Right Intention

Always go back to your personal or your organization's principles of why you are conducting a medical mission. Remember, medical missions have been used for decades to sway political votes, gain an upperhand in land grabbing (i.e. mining / logging / farming companies) and a lot more, placing a sugar coat on a different intention. Most nonprofit organizations turn down politically motivated medical missions. Please save the money, the mission can be done after the election period. However, we commend the Tanadas in Bicol who conduct missions regardless of the political season.

A medical mission is often considered a dole-out project. In retrospect, a medical mission is beneficial when: a.) It is conducted as a relief operation for disasters such flood, earthquake, fire, landslide, war, famine, mass poisoning etc. b.) As a regular program with follow-up of the patients c.) Surgical / medical missions which are badly needed in medically deprived or remote areas in the Philippines d.)When it is not a stand alone project but integrated in a sustainable health program.

2.) Find a Partner

Don't begin a medical mission without a partner organization in the community. You cannot arrive in the community with a messiahnic outlook. You are not there to save the peole from their miseries because by the end of the day, you are off with the medical team. Collaborate with other organizations particularly the local government and other people's organization. The health center staff will be more than willing to assist even at weekends. This gives a boost to their purpose in the community. This could also empower a people's organization, such as an association of women, fisherfolks or drivers. In addition, these people know the place better than you do so it is always prudent to consult them. These sponsoring organizations should also contribute through the provision of an adequate venue, board and lodging for the volunteers and the like. Besides, no one is too poor not to give so there must be something they can share.

3.) Go local for insights, manpower and remedies.

Profiling and ocular visit of the site will include disease prevalence, local remedies and the health referral system. The health workers must quantify the common diseases so that the amount of medicines and surgical intruments can be prepared accordingly.

After the consult, the doctors can't do a follow-up of the patients. Hence, they must know where or whom to refer for complicated or chronic cases, a comprehensive list of the health centers and hospitals would be of great help for referrals.

There are ten recommended herbal plants by the Department of Health which are readily available in most rural communities. A good knowledge of available local medicines would promote reliance of locally available plants.

4.) Prepare, prepare, prepare...

Secure the following: a.) Venue w/ocular visit b.) Transportation, planned route and itenerary c.) Funds d.) Medicines which you can request from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office or Pharmaceutical companies. Make a list of all medicines availabe including the generic names, preparation (mg/ml or mg/tab), volume per bottle (60ml / bottle), no. of tablets or bottles available. e.)Prescription pads, ballpens, BP apps, stethoscopes, curtains for the examination room, pentel pens, speaker or sound system.

The doctors and dispensary will be using the list as a reference. Usual medicines needed include Multivitamins, Antibiotics for upper respiratory and urinary tract infection(amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, co-amox), Metronidazole during rainy season for Amoebiasis, Permethrin for head lice and scabies, Antifungal creams, Ferrous Sulfate, minor surgical set for circumcision purposes, Oral rehydration salts, Antihypertensives such as Metoprolol and Captopril, Anti-asthma such as Salbutamol, Anti-helminthics both tablet & syrup, Antipyretics such Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatory such as Mefenamic Acid, Dental set for tooth extraction, lots of alcohol for the health workers and few items for wound dressing.

Most patients would ask for antitussives such as Carbocisteine or Bromhexine but I don't believe in such placebo medicines. An emergency kit is always important for wound dressing and possible anaphylaxis.

As a bonus, you might want to include the alternative medicines available locally and the referral system with the list of local hospitals or clinics which can do further laboratory tests and management. Since you can't be serving the whole barangay for the whole day, you might consider distributing reservation tickets particularly to the most indigent patients through the local DSWD or barangay hall.

5.) Right perspective

Always brief your volunteers on the following: a.) All or nothing for the antibiotics. When you don't have enough meds to complete the antibiotic regimen then don't even prescribe or give it. You'll just start a new microbial resistance in the community if you do so. Besides most upper respiratory tract infection only need sufficient nutrition, increased fluid intake and rest. b.) Most well patients would go to a medical mission to ask for vitamins, a short lecture on eating a balance diet will suffice. Don't give vitamins to patients who think they can replace regular meals with vitamins since they'll end up having hyperacidity. c.) Doctors should always include the diagnosis of the patients for documentation purposes d.)Keep the instructions clear by explaining the intake of medicines to the patients. Always bring lots of pentel pen to write on the boxes or pieces of paper for the instructions in their own dialect.

6.) Coordinate

If everything is well coordinated then expect the following: a.) The barangay tanod or police securing and pacifying the people b.) The local health workers doing the registration and taking the vital signs of the patients c.) There is appropriate designation for the registration area with short history taking, vital signs station, doctors' station, dispensary of medicines, mess hall for the food preparation d.) Volunteers are taking turns in doing lectures to patients who are in line. e.) Someone is taking care of the little stuff such as the documentation, food and logistics. Never ever forget to give the appropriate food for your volunteers since that is their only consolation.

7.) Evaluate

Meet the staff after the medical mission and don't forget to give tokens or certificates to the volunteers including the local officials as a gesture of gratitude. You may want to leave the extra medicines to the health center except for the regulated drugs. Comments and suggestions are always welcome to improve the next medical mission. If you plan to keep or send a report, collect the registration forms and the prescriptions. Tabulate the common diseases, number of beneficiaries and the amount of medicines used. Usually funding institutions such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes require this. Hopefully your medical mission might empower the local organization and they would look forward for a renewed partnershipe someday.

COPYRIGHT @ PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello
http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

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TeleMedicine

Indigenous Peoples - Community Health Workers Telemedicine Project (IP-CHWTP)

Primary Implementing Institution: Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc
Address: Bgy. San Dionisio, Paranaque
Telefax: 825-7653

Collaborative Institution:

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
Department of Health
Learn.ph Foundation
University of the Philippines

A. The Health Knowledge and Skills Development Project

1. The impact of the Indigenous Peoples - Community Health Workers Telemedicine Project (IP-CHWTP) will be the development of more knowledgeable and skilled health workers from the ethnic minority groups of the Philippines. The project is consistent with the mandate of the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on health for all regardless of geographic location or cultural background. The project envision a strengthened capacity of the health education and training system pioneered by the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc.(FOLPMI) together with the multisectoral partners.
2. The project will have five outputs:
(i)a national ICT consultation and training of the one hundred eighty-eight (188) IP-CHW graduates of FOLPMI together with their updates and monitoring
(ii) an IP-CHW training center equipped with information and communication technology (ICT) responsive to the remote location of the IPs
(iii)strengthened commitment of the multi sectoral partners in utilizing ICT in assisting the IPs, namely with the government agencies (DOH, NCIP), civic organizations (Tuklas Katutubo-youth tribal leaders, Community Medicine Foundation, Philippine National Red Cross), religious organization (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples) and academic institution (University of the Philippines-Philippines General Hospital, Learn.ph Foundation) who had previously assisted the trainings of the 6 batches of IP-CHWs
(iv) establish ten pilot sites equipped with ICT
(v) a website for the advocacy and baseline knowledge collection tool of the IP-CHW Telemedicine Project

B. Background

3.The Philippines' Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) defines Indigenous Peoples or IPs as "a group of people or homogeneous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded and defined territory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, non indigenous religions and cultures, became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos." (Section 3, Article II, R8371).
4. The NCIP tries to address the lack of access to health care through outreach programs to the IPs. The NCIP Central Office has a clinic that provides free consultation and medicines. Medical and dental missions to remote IP communities have also been carried out (NCIP Accomplishment Report 2002). However, an outreach program alone will not provide a sustainable health development program for the IP communities. On the other hand, the DOH coordinate with the Barangay Health Workers (BHW), however their coverage is limited with the remote location and cultural differences of the IPs. Thus, there is a need to establish a solid base within the community, in the form of trained Community Health Workers, who will serve as health care providers and spearhead health programs in their respective communities without compromising their indigenous beliefs and traditions.
5. The FOLPMI has developed 188 community health workers from the 77 tribes of the Philippines (see annexes A & B). At present, some graduates are working as barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, NGO employees and local government consultants. Their continuing education and monitoring is important to supplement the knowledge and skills they have obtained from the 3-week intensive training. To do so, most of the monitoring were done through on-site visits, posts and phone calls which required considerable financing and time. Thus, an ICT program paralleled to this health program would cut short the time and money spent for their consults and vice versa.
6. ICT is no longer new in offering alternative assistance to the remote areas in the Asia Pacific. It has been used to leapfrog the economies of the Peoples Republic of China and South Korea through Knowledge-based economy. In the remote areas of the Solomon Islands, solar powered internet and low frequency radio were used as a means of communication.
7. The FOLPMI receive regular consults from the IP-CHW through text messages from the mobile phones. Resource speakers such as those from the National Poison Management and Control Center expressed interest in answering consults through their hot line and mobile numbers. ICT can offer a bridge to this gap between health professionals and IP-CHW.
8. Considering health as not merely a state of having no illness but a state of total well being, social and political issues are confronted as well. The foundation has been lobbying for the ancestral domains of the IP-CHWs starting from the slow process of receiving bulky document by post and sorting it through a myriad of government agencies. An ICT network of legal and government agencies can challenge this process of transacting. The use of ICT can also allow recording and documentation of the consults and traditional health practices of the IPs which can be a baseline knowledge and reference with the permission of the Indigenous Peoples..

C. Legal Framework

9. The contents of this Policy Framework are based on laws and policies of the Government of the Philippines and policies of the World Bank as follows:
a. Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act or IPRA, provides that the IPs have the right to an informed and intelligent participation in the formation and implementation of any project, government or private, that will impact on their ancestral domain, and that the IPs have the right to participate in decision-making, in all matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies.
b. IPRA Section 34 states that IPs are entitled to the recognition of the full ownership and control and protection of their cultural and intellectual rights. They shall have the right to special measures to control, develop and protect their sciences, technologies and cultural manifestations, including human and other genetic resources, seeds, including derivatives of these resources, traditional medicines and health practices, vital medical plants, animals and mineral, indigenous knowledge systems and practices, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literature, designs, and visual and performing arts.
c. IPRA Section 46 states further that the NCIP is mandated to identify IPs with potential training in health profession and encourage and assist them to enroll in schools of medicine, nursing, physical therapy and other allied courses pertaining to the health profession.
b. World Bank Operational Directives on Indigenous Peoples (OD 4.20) requires Bank-assisted projects to ensure that interventions avoid or minimize detrimental impacts on indigenous peoples/ cultural minorities and that measures are made to maximize project benefits on IPs. It likewise requires Bank-assisted projects in areas with IPs to guarantee the informed and meaningful participation of IPs in various stages of project development and implementation. Moreover, this directive expects that IPs receive social and economic benefits that are compatible with their cultural practices and tradition.

D. Guiding Principles

10. For the project and the ICT to be culturally acceptable, guidelines are established as follows:
a. The IP-CHWTP shall ensure that the IPs are engaged in the decision-making processes in identifying, planning and implementing project interventions in areas within ancestral domain claims or areas where IPs depend for their livelihood.
b. The project must ensure that the IPs does not suffer adverse effects during and after project implementation and that they receive social and economic benefits that are compatibles with their cultural practices and tradition.
c. The Project Management Teams and its Regional counterparts must ensure at all times that the implementation of the project fosters full respect for IP's dignity, human rights and cultural uniqueness.
d. Whenever necessary, consensus of all IP members who are affected by the project must be obtained in accordance with their respective laws and practices and customary practices of consensus-building, and shall conform to Section 14 (Mandatory Activities for FPIC) of NCIP Administrative Order No. 3, series of 2002.
e. The Project Regional Implementation Teams shall ensure that project implementation will not result in damage to non-replicable cultural property. In cases where infrastructures improvement shall affect sites considered as cultural properties of the IPs. Project Implementation Teams must exert best efforts to relocate or redesign the planned renovations so that these sites can be preserved and remain intact in site.
f. Infrastructure designs must at all times be consistent with the traditional and cultural practices of the IPs in the area.

E. The Procedures

11. The IPs in the national convention shall be encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in all stages of planning, implementation and project monitoring. The IPs shall be included in the discussions, workshops and survey interviews. Efforts shall be exerted to solicit their views and suggestions in the implementation of the project. Pilot sites will be prioritized based on the following: 1.) Groups who are favorable with the ICT 2.) highly coordinated as a people's organization 3.)has established health programs. For areas unequipped with Internet transmission or IPs who are unprepared for the project, the national convention shall also be a venue for them to undergo training on being an operator of a "Botika ng Barangay" (local pharmacy) or be assimilated to the Community-based Health Program of the Community Health Development. More importantly, a federation will be organized among IP-CHW which is envisaged to be self-governing and self-reliant.
12. Building on World banks formulation of a Knowledge-Based Development, three categories of intellectual capital are applied, namely human capital, structural capital and stakeholder capital. The IP-CHW Development Program of FOLPMI has developed 188 skilled workforce for the human capital. In addition, it has established a network with multisectoral agencies (stakeholder capital) which aided in the development and monitoring of the IP-CHWs. However, the FOLPMI lacked a structural capital to convene or coordinate these human and stakeholder capital. In this regard, a national coordinating center, a structural capital, has to be setup which will extensively cater the assistance and development of the IP-CHWs. This center shall be equipped with ICT equipments that are cost-effective.
13. A memorandum of agreement will be reached by the multi sectoral partners in committing to address the consults of the IP-CHWs. These partners will be trained on IP cultural sensitivity and ICT skills. Learn.ph Foundation whose core competency is online education will provide the literacy software while UP-PGH Telehealth will provide the software and technical support for health.
14. Pilot sites will be equipped with a low memory computer with wireless Internet connection and powered by solar panels. These computers will function as ports where text messages from the mobile phones are converted to Internet messages and documents. The project shall ensure that assistance is provided to enable the IPs to participate meaningfully in the process. This may mean deployment of competent and committed staff to work in IP communities and ensure that IPs are knowledgeable and skilled in the ICT operations.
a.) The design of facilities and service delivery protocols shall be sensitive to culture and beliefs.
b.) Efforts shall be made to train IPs to serve as trainers in their respective communities
c.) IP community involvement in implementation shall be actively sought
15. Consults received through the Internet will then be forwarded to specific health professional partners who specialize on the topic relating to the consult. The answers will be processed and sent immediately to the IP-CHW. All documents processed in the Internet will be collected and sorted in the launched website which can be viewed through the Internet with the initial approval of the IPs.

F. Monitoring

16. Monitoring of project impact on IPs shall be carried out through the following:
a.) Personnel and facility-based surveys will be carried out at various stages of the project to track implementation progress and effectiveness.
b.) Special studies to provide further insight into how health outcomes have been influenced by the project will be done.

G. Sustainability

17.) Paralleled with socioeconomic assistance, this project can be a channel for transacting sales of indigenous products. Furthermore, the IP ports can be used in research or data gathering. The knowledge can be used in national policies or surveys which will be critical in decision making.

H. Impact of the Project on Indigenous Peoples

18. The activities under the project are not foreseen to impact negatively on IPs, rather, their implementation will improve the quality and relevance of skills training for IP-CHW. This would contribute to immediate measures for emergency cases and consultative means for preventive medicine. Relaying of reports for updating and monitoring would be cost effective. This will increase the likelihood of the IP-CHWs knowledge and skills to be nurtured upon their return. In addition, understanding their culture and traditional health practices will improve our understanding of disease transmission and etiology, and alternative medicines. Socioeconomic concerns such as the issuance of their land titles and sale of indigenous products may also be improved in the process. Through ICT, the most marginalized sector of the society can be placed at the forefront of health care.

COPYRIGHT @ PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

Community Health Workers Training

TITLE: IMF Report: The 6th Community Health Workers Training for the Indigenous Peoples
DATE: November 5 to 25, 2007
VENUE: Our Lady of Peace Hospital and St. Andrew Cathedral

PRIMARY IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTION: Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission Inc


PRIMARY FUNDING INSTITUTION:
International Monetary Fund – Civic Advisory Program Group
Washington D.C

FINANCIAL GRANT: USD 6,746.00 (See Attachment E)

MULTISECTORAL PARTNERS:
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
Department of Health
Tuklas Katutubo – A national organization of youth tribal leaders
Philippine National Red Cross
Cultural Center of the Philippines
Coca-cola Export Company
Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples
Parish of St. Andrew Cathedral
Misereor - Philippines
Abbreviations
IPs – Indigenous Peoples
FOLPMI – Foundon of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc.
NCIP – National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
DOH – Department of Health
TK – Tuklas Katutubo
PNRC – Philippine National Red Cross
CCP – Cultural Center of the Philippines
CHWs – Community Health Workers
BHWs – Barangay Health Workers
NGO – nongoverment organization
CCF- Christian Children's Fund
ARMM – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

INTRODUCTION

The foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc has the unique program of training community health workers from the Indigenous Peoples. The local government employs barangay health workers, these workers have minimal coverage to the remote areas inhabited by the IPs. The IPs from the different regions were gathered for a 21-day training. The training is the intensive phase (Phase I) while the on-site monitoring is Phase II. This report will focus on Phase I which was held last Novemeber 5 to 25 at the Our Lady of Peace Hospital and St. Andrew Hall of St. Andrew Canthedral.

One-hundred fifty seven (157) have graduated from the seventy-two tribes of the Philippines from the previous 5 batches of CHW training. The 6th batch trained thirty-one (31) more from the tribes of Bl'aan, Kaulo, Teduray, Kankana-ey, Manobo, Subanen, Tagakaolo, Talaandig, Yakan, Aeta, Iwak, Bantoanon, Agta, Mandaya and Kalinga. This added four more tribes from the previously unrepresented tribes namely Kalinga, Iwak, Teduray and Bantoanon. (See Attachment A)

The participants were recommended by the NCIP, graduates of the program and NGO partners in the community such as the Isabela Foundation Inc., Christian Children's Foundation, Tuklas Katutubo, Alagad sa Panglawas (Servants for Health) and Mamalo Descendant Organization (Cotabato). The particpants of the 6th CHW training were 1.)Tita Tusan (B'laan, Davao del Sur), 2.)Delma Wano (B'laan, Davao del Sur), 3.)Maricel Sakilan (B'laan, Davao del Sur), 4.) Vizminda Dela Cruz (Kaulo, Davao del Sur), 5.)Ernesto Alfonso (Te'duray, Shariff Kabunsuan), 6.)Lito Mosela (Te'duray, Shariff Kabunsuan), 7.) Emely Mardo (Kankana-ey, Infanta Pangasinan), 8.)Vicente Dag-uman (Subanen, Zamboanga del Sur), 9.)Gilda Hermoso (Manobo, Davao del Sur), 10.)Juanito Campong(Kalagan, Davao del Sur), 11.)Elizabeth Bitco (Tagakaolo,Sarangani), 12.)Lourdes Danio(Talaandig, Bukidnon), 13.)Kuring Dailun (Yakan, Basilan), 14.)Emelie Baluan(Manobo, Carmen Cotabato), 15.)Lanie Cosme(Aeta, Iba Zambales), 16.)Liway Jugatan (Aeta, Bihawo Zambales), 17.) Dario Bugtong (Iwak, Nueva Viscaya), 18.) Mylene Atanacio (Aeta, Bihawo Zambales), 19.) Margie Maaba (Bantoanon, Romblon), 20.) Veronica Domasig (Agta, Sorsogon), 21.)Julia Barrameda (Agta, Sorsogon), 22.)Ruby Dumaog (Manobo, Bukidnon), 23.) Alvin Sandag (Manobo, Bukidnon), 24.)Fe Ann Lanipao (Kalinga, Mt. Province), 25.)Shisterly Famisan (Aeta, Zambales), 26.) Daisy Capellan (Aeta, Botolan Zambales), 27.) Allan Pahanay (Manobo, Bukidnon), 28.) Susan Hugnaan (Talaandig, Davao del Sur), 29.)Jeoffrey Liguez (Mandaya, Davao Oriental), 30.)Pilar Acar (Yakan, Basilan), 31.)Virginia Ayodoc (Kankana-ey, Mt. Province). (See Attachment C)

METHODOLOGY AND OUTCOME

Implementing this progrom for 2 years with encouraging feedback from the communities, the 6th batch was pursued with improvements from the previous curriculum. The 1st phase included the CHW intensive training. It employed lectures, group discussions, demonstrations, return demonstrations, role playing and creative presentations as teaching methods (See Attachments B and D).

Health is affected by multiple factors. The IPs are keen to this as their health care is entwined with ther spiritual, cultural and social beliefs. The World Health Organization believes that health is not merely the lack of disease bu the total well being of a person. Consequently, the first week of the training was spent on and discovering the traditional health practices, cultural beliefs, rights and responsibilities of the IPs and human dignity. These topics were also intended to empower the participants. (See Attachment B)

The discussion on the biological aspect of health was strategically distributed on the three week training. The participants were very interested on topics that promoted skills development such as ventusa or moxibustion (a traditional palliative technique for muscle pains), suturing of minor wounds, child delivery, vaccination, preparation of herbal medicine, nutrition, weighing of children, first aid, emergency rescue and transfer, basic life support, history taking and physical examination. The participants were equipped with a medical kit that allowed them to do procedures on their own. They were also provided with a module that covered most of the topics. They were later assessed through an objective-structures clinical examination which is an oral and practical exam on their clinical knowledge and skills. Those with unsatisfactory performance were later tutored individually. (See Attachment D)

The second week featured the community aspect of health. It emphasized the need for prevention rather than cure and that in essence CHWs need to work with the community since prevention requires collective effort. Hence, the topics on leaderships, community diagnosis and planning were important. From these topics, the CHWs became more expressive in communicating, a skill they would need in leading and teaching. They were taught on making plans with the community and not by themselves so as to gain more support in implementing the plants. Most importantly, they were oriented to work with the local government as they have to make courtesy calls with the local officials and non-government agencies as well as they anchor in the community as a new CHW.

The third week introduced to the participants the presence of national agencies which offered assistance to the IPs. The roundtable discussion was particularly meaningful with the attendance of representatives from the NCIP (government agency), Tuklas Katutubo (Civic group), Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples (Religious sector), FOLPMI (NGO), Community Medicine Foundation (NGO), and University of the Philippines Pahinungod (Academic Sector).

The participants aired the problems faced in the community and their grievances. Most of the sectors were able to offer solutions or explanations to their problems. For the unresolved cases, the participants were encouraged to put them into a letter that were later coursed through FOLPMI and sent to the concerned institutions. These unresolved concerns were about long fought rights on the ancestral domains in the ARMM Region, mining in Sorsogon, Educational Scholarship for the IPs, lack of potable water, livelihood and lack of health centers or medicines in the area. The Teduray represented by two participants expressed the lack of assistance from the ARMM local government. Tedurays who are non-muslim belong to the ARMM region. Their land has been slowly encroached by the Muslims for timber. The dignity of the ethnic minorities are often anchored on the land they are residing, cultivating and protecting, thus land grabbing is a great atrocity to their cultural identity.

In Sorsogon on the other hand, mining operations have been ongoing intoxicating the marine life and depleting the daily catch of the ethnic minority. Lack of educational grants for the IPs was also brought up since only a few institutions have been supportive. The IPs have difficulty in competing with the lowlanders in obtaining scholarships with their meager resources. As reported by some participants, there are some areas in the Philippines inhabited by the ethnic minorities that are not reached by the services of the barangay health center. Three of the above participants reported such cases. In addition, immunization programs couldn't even reach their areas. Some areas have barangay health centers but lacked the personnel such as the BHW. Some lack the facilities or medicines. After the devolution of the Department of Health, the operation of the health centers became under the local government. The decision on maintaining or improving the health centers became highly politicized.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The 6th CHW training was generally successful. All the participants exhibited enthusiasm and satisfactory aptitude as new community health workers. Their achievement was certified by Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, SPC, MD and by the government partners namely Dr. Carlos P. Buasen, director of the office of education, culture and health of NCIP, and Dr. Francisco T. Duque, III, the Secretary of the Department of Health. Preventive medicine was the emphasis of the whole training while equipping them as well with knowledge and skills in treating their patients. More importantly, the CHWs had workshops on leadership, community planning and networking with government and nongovernment agencies which is important in the nature of their job. The participants had a positive feedback on the duration, venue, facilities and personnel of the training. The training was both extensive and practical.

The training offered a venue for multisectoral partnership between the different tribes, government and nongovernment agencies. With the 6th batch, the FOLPMI has produced 188 graduates from the 77 tribes of the Philippines. There are 41 remaining unrepresented tribes. Thus, it is to recommended to pursue the 7th CHW training for them. In addition, it is recommended that Phase II be implemented which is the on site visit together with the updating and planning. It is important that the graduates are supported as they return to their hometown. They need to be integrated to the local health units of the barangay.
A few weeks after the training, a follow-up through the phone was done on the participants revealing 5 of them had gotten jobs and projects relating to health under the local government or community. The other participants who were BHWs continued their work. In addition, concerns on scholarship and ancestral domain were pursued. The FOLPMI has been searching for sponsors for scholarship grant while the Tedurays kept their communication as the FOLPMI became the bridge in lobbying their land rights to the NCIP.

The participants were interested in starting a Botika ng Barangay (local pharmacy) which is a program of the Department of Health. An orientation on Botika ng Barangay was done during the intesive phase. They recommended doing the training per region. Unfortunately, the personnel from the regional offices were often working on field making them elusive to communicate. Thus, it is suggested that the next CHW training should include the whole training of the Botika ng Barangay since the certificates that they will receive will be honored by the different regional offices.

COPYRIGHT @ PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello

http://www.philippine-healthnet.blogspot.com

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Feeding Program

The picture above shows the ongoing FOLPMI Feeding Program at Paranaque funded by the Presidential Management Staff.

This is in answer to Dr. Annely Celocia's queery on Feeding Programs.

The alleviation of malnutrition is mandated by the Philippine Constitution which is to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. In addition, numerous nongovernment organizations assist such programs like HAPAG-ASA,under the Diocese supporting Pondo ng Pinoy, and the Food for the Hungry which is an international organization.

1.) In a feeding program, the first thing to do is assess the community. Check if the project is feasible and sustainable. The community must identify malnutrition as a problem and not merely use the feeding program as a means to feed their children. For one, you can't make it a dole out project.

2.) Identify prospective leaders and volunteers. It is important to coordinate with the existing political or organizational hierarchy.

3.) Identify the children who badly need the assistance. To avoid bias, use the Department of Health method of identifying malnourished kids. The barangay nutrition scholar, a local public employee, knows this. I believe the community health workers know this as well. There is a standard for anthropometric measurements for Filipinos based on weight and height in determining malnutrition. This will also be your baseline in monitoring the children every month. This is to check if you are successful with your program.

4.) Always engage the community. Include the parents of the children in planning the menu, marketing, cooking, monitoring and evaluation. You can organize the mothers and even fathers to these tasks. Someday they will get the idea of the program and if they like it, then they can sustain it. Remember you don't owe the community anything, you are just there to facilitate or be an instrument. When you feel it is time for you to go and let them do the job, then go as quickly as you can but keep a close eye.

5.) Remember to always document, monitor and evaluate. This is your basis for the success or failure of the program. These will be your hard evidence to the funding agencies. From experience, HAPAG-ASA, Pondong Pinoy and Food for the Hungry provide fortified nutrimeals. In 6 months, children can already graduate from the program, meaning their weight is already at par with their age group.

P.S. Remember to deworm before starting the feeding. Antihelminthics are available at the health center or you can request from Janssen Philippines. Keep a balance diet, include vegetables and meat, not merely porridge.

For other schemes, I've read that in a small farming town in Bangladesh, a successful feeding program was done by alloting a small farm land to be planted with peas as a source of protein. Protein Energy Malnutrition is a major problem among Filipinos so adding Tofu or Taho would be great.

For more info inquire or visit: Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation, Inc
2002 Jesuit Street, Pandacan, Manila Tel: 5639310
hapagasa@gmail.com

Below is a project proposal we submitted to the Presidential Management Staff. The Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission Inc is a faith based organization so hopefully you'll understand the holistic approach of the program.

Name of Project: "Our Children, Our Future: Child Development Assistance Program"

Objectives:
To assist indigent children in their physical, mental and spiritual development that will allow them to be at par with their age group.

The poorest of the poor children who come from the 8 daycare centers of the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. will be the beneficiaries of the program.

Background:

The national situation: 70% of the population of the Philippines is children. Among Filipino parents, 35% have enough means and capacity to educate their children, 25% are able educate their children with the help of government and nongovernmental assistance. This leaves 40% whose parents have no means at all to find assistance. Their children dropout of schooling after 2 years. This 40% represents 8,000,000 Filipinos who will not be able to improve their status in life. They are hungry, uneducated and worse multiplying themselves in numbers by brining up their own children in the same environment.

What our Foundation is doing?
The foundation has established 8 day care centers and 9 feeding centers for children for 6 years old and below. We are able to help about 300 children every year. After age six, we can only help by means of scholarship to only 1% of the graduates.

What this proposal would like to do?
To organize a new program, helping these children go up further and be part of the mainstream, where they are no longer a liability to the community.

Components of our Proposal
1.) The Nutrition Component shall provide adequate food with complete nutrients to the children. Many children are hungry and are sickly, hence they cannot perform normally at home and in school. We have made initial arrangements with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to develop a nutritious instant meal. Once developed the product can be adopted and be distributed to the feeding centers. Enclosed with this letter is the project proposal by FNRI for the research and development of the said meal. Compared to foreign food relief products, this will be made from indigenous raw materials and palatable to the Filipino taste..

2.) The Educational Assistance shall provide proper uniform, shoes and school materials for each child from the start of the school year. A student monitor will be employed to guide the parents of the children together with the school authorities throughout the school year.

3.) The Health Component shall be the counterpart of the foundation where these children, belonging to the poorest families, shall have a reqular monthly examination. Medications and referrals shall be met accordingly.

4.) The Spiritual Component shall be the counterpart of the parish and parents through the coordination of the student monitor.

The initial beneficiaries shall be grades 1 and 2 with an estimated total of 300 students who have graduated from the foundation's daycare center and underwent a psychosocioeconomic screening.

COPYRIGHT @ PHILIPPINE-HEALTHNET thru Dr. Jason Abello

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