On 24 April 2020, APCOM facilitated ‘GEAR UP. GET SET.’ a virtual learning session for individuals and community-based organisations to learn more about COVID-19, standard preventive measures that community outreach workers can practice while delivering HIV services, and strategies on mitigating the effects to mental health about the pandemic especially among people living with HIV. The participants from Japan, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand were able to get more information about COVID-19 and standard preventive practices.

Dr. Patrick Eustaquio, HIV Primary Care Physician for gay men, bisexual men and transgender women from the Philippines, shared knowledge about COVID-19 from the medical perspective. He noted that COVID-19 is less likely to spread in a setting where a population or residents are staying at home and keeping social distance. But for community outreach workers who are delivering health services, it is important that CBOs and staff practice the standard preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes ensuring adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for outreach workers, CBO staff and their clients. He also stressed the importance of having clear communications between CBOs and local governments to ensure that procedures are in place for the delivery of HIV services especially linking PLHIV to ART. Read more via APCOM