The non-governmental organization Project Red Ribbon in partnership with the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic and Treatment Hub launched the “Love on Wheels” initiative at the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic in Manila, in collaboration with UNAIDS and the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health and Development (DOH-MMCHD).
As part of the initiative, which came about as a consequence of the lockdown measures put in place in response to COVID-19, Project Red Ribbon mobilized resources to buy e-bikes and other bicycles which they then donated to the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic to ensure continuity of HIV services to key populations.
Health volunteers as well as health professionals including medical technologist and nurses use the e-bikes to bring HIV services closer to the community, including door-to-door delivery of HIV treatment, HIV screening, information materials, condoms and lubricants, delivery of specimens and securing results from the STD and AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory— where confirmatory HIV testing is being done.
The clients sign up or inform the health centre that they are unable to go to the facility and would prefer to have the services delivered to them.
The health facility also organizes outreach activities such as HIV awareness and testing in hot spots and targeted sites in coordination with local community-based organizations and other groups working in that area.
UNAIDS and DOH-MMCHD will be assisting with the monitoring and evaluation of the project.
