Ramos Act: HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control

Declaration of Policies

• The state shall respect, protect, and promote human rights as the cornerstone of an effective response to the country's HIV and AIDS situation.
• HIV and AIDS education and information dissemination are crucial for reducing discrimination and promoting control and prevention.

Establishment of PNAC

• The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) is an agency attached to the Department of Health (DOH) with a separate budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
• PNAC was established in 1992.

Definition of Terms

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms caused by HIV, which attacks and weakens the body's immune system.
• Stigma refers to the devaluation and dehumanization of an individual, resulting in discrimination.

Safe Practices and Procedures

• Penalties for unsafe practices and procedures include 6-12 years imprisonment and fines, as well as suspension or revocation of license to practice a profession (RA 11166).

Testing, Screening, and Counseling

• Compulsory HIV testing may be allowed only in certain instances, such as:
  • For individuals convicted under the Anti-Rape Law.
  • To settle relevant issues pertaining to the Family Code.
  • To comply with the National Blood Services Act (RA 7719) and the Organ Donation Act (RA 7170).
• Anonymous testing is allowed, where the individual being tested does not reveal their true identity.
• Contact tracing involves finding the sexual partners of an individual tested or diagnosed with HIV, with counseling done by an RMT with HIV proficiency.

Monitoring and Reporting

• AIDSWATCH is a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring program that determines and monitors the magnitude and progression of HIV infection.
• The program evaluates the adequacy and efficacy of countermeasures being employed and involves reporting and contact tracing.

Ramos Act

• The Ramos Act promulgates policies and prescribes measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.
• The act institutes a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and educational program, establishes a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system, and strengthens the Philippine National AIDS Council.

Declaration of Policies

• The state shall promote public awareness through education and information campaigns.
• The state shall extend to every person suspected or known to be infected with HIV/AIDS full protection of their human rights and civil liberties.
• The state shall recognize the potential role of affected individuals in propagating vital information.

HIV Testing and Counseling

• The Radio Immuno-Precipitation Assay (RIPA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are screening tests that can be reactive or non-reactive.
• A confirmatory test is performed in a HIV testing laboratory to confirm the results.
• National Reference Laboratories, such as the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP), perform confirmatory tests on blood donor units.

Definitions and Terminologies

• Treatment Hub refers to the HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) that provides medical attention and services for people with HIV.
• Blood Service Facility offers transfusion services if necessary.
• Informed Written Consents are written agreements that allow patients to undergo procedures.
• Confirmatory tests are performed to determine whether a sample is positive or negative.
• OFW Clinics provide pre-employment medical exams for Filipinos bound for abroad.