Increasing Capacity for HIV Testing in Davao, Philippines: An Interdisciplinary Training Approach to Improve Equity in the HIV Care Continuum

Background: Studies suggest that less than 10% of the total population in the Philippines have been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and only 2% of women ages 18-45. Improving access to testing is imperative to building the HIV Care Continuum, given the aims of the United Nations' 95-95-95 targets and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International Public Health partnerships between several entities introduced a training program to certify a diverse spectrum of community providers to increase access to HIV counseling and testing in Davao City. Methods: A community assessment was conducted and stakeholders were identified based on accessibility to services for women and natural integration within operations. Invitations to the training were extended to the groups identified. Participants included representatives from three universities, two nonprofit organizations, local clinics, two social work programs, a midwifery practice, three religious organizations, and local tribal leaders. The comprehensive HIV education, counseling, and testing training conference covered the span of one week with all-day sessions. Participants were required to take a pre-test, attend all sessions, and complete a post-test. Results: Thirty-one participants in Davao City were trained and certified in HIV counseling and testing. Twenty-four participants met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Exams were composed of three parts designed by the Philippines Department of Health to measure competency for HIV certification. Pre-test scores indicated low levels of HIV knowledge with a mean score of 27.97% and a range of 9.59-54.79%. Post-tests were given one week later and the mean increased markedly to 87.61% with a range of 52.05-97.26%. A Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test showed a high level of statistical significance (p < 0.001) between the pre- and post-test scores. Conclusions: HIV education, counseling, and testing can now be made available from several community-based organizations for unreached populations including women at risk in the Philippines. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted plans for HIV program distribution and systems to provide HIV test kits and referrals. As COVID-19 has slowed, plans have resumed and data will be collected for tracking, linkage to care, and adherence. This vital phase is foundational in the HIV Care Continuum, core SDGs, and 95-95-95 targets for the Philippines.