Enhancing Sexuality Education to Prevent HIV Transmission Among Filipino Young Key Populations: A Policy Analysis

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is growing rampant among vulnerable populations in the Philippines. Projected estimates show that the Philippines experienced a 555% increase in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024. Current projections reveal that 46% of new infections in 2024 were from the 15-24 age group, also referred to as the young key population (YKP). YKPs, especially those belonging to the adolescent age bracket, are more likely to engage in risky behavior and have difficulties in accessing HIV-related services. It is thus important to guide them toward safe sexual practices. While there are existing policies for education campaigns on HIV, there are no clear guidelines for their standardization and implementation. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is already included in secondary and tertiary education curricula, as mandated by the HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, yet it is not effectively delivered to the students due to censorship, hesitancy of teachers to convey messages, or inadequate knowledge among teachers in sexuality
education. This analysis aims to examine policy alternatives which can improve the implementation of CSE among YKP attending schools.

Methods: A policy analysis which adopted the 2013 US Center for Disease Prevention and Control Policy Analytical Framework was conducted in order to determine alternatives which could improve the coverage and effectiveness of CSE for YKP. 

Results: Review of secondary literature and insights from policy and programmatic informants yielded the following policy alternatives:(1) no change but reinforce implementation; (2) issue guidelines on prescribed modules and add feedback mechanisms; (3) regulate educators through certification requirements; and (4) build partnerships with institutions and organizations who can dispatch peer educators. The second and fourth alternative received the highest score based on five domains.

Conclusions: Issuing national guidelines for the implementation of age-appropriate CSE, along with creating evaluation mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of education, can ensure that the youth are receiving quality health education which they can apply in their practice and behavior. Outsourcing peer educators through partnerships may be effective without exhausting internal manpower.