| Abstract: | This article describes the efforts of local Philippine HIV/AIDS programs to widen their reach and sustain their efforts. The model assumes that the engagement of an ever larger number of institutions that understand HIV/AIDS issues and are committed to prevention and care will help foster safer sexual behavior. The Philippines HIV/AIDS Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) Support Program (PHANSuP), with the support of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, developed skills and strategies workshop sessions. This pilot training program builds and strengthens local NGO capacity and partnerships between sectors. The Alliance in 1993 raised funds for PHANSuP, and PHANSuP supported local NGOs, including the Olangapo City AIDS Foundation (OCAFI). OCAFI was forced to stretch the new funding over a longer period and agreed to be a resource for a wide variety of local institutions rather than a single AIDS project. In this way, resources were complementary and more broadly distributed. OCAFI built partnerships with a variety of institutions ranging from the local Rotary Club to the casino. The result was wider financial, political, and practical support in Olangapo City, and improved access to vulnerable groups. The pilot program proved that local NGOs could reduce their dependency on PHANSuP financial support. The links between NGOs and government health services have led to a wider reach of the education programs and the use of mass media. PHANSuP has developed several initiatives to promote the view that partnerships between different sectors are possible and that sustainability is possible. Programs must sell themselves to the local community, which in turn will support the programs. |
