Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance
Youth Power
PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 2009

Better known as YAFA, Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance was established in 2008, with the founding helmed by Igor G. Mocorro, RN, MPH(c), who now serves as its chief executive officer.

“We, YAFA members, are committed to stop AIDS – to end the sufferings and inequities brought by HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination,” the group’s Web site states, adding that to achieve its goals, “we value and support the meaningful participation of young Filipinos, including the greater involvement of young persons living with HIV, in all levels of HIV and AIDS interventions (prevention, care, treatment and support) in the Philippines and worldwide.”

YAFA’s existence is needed, particularly since 2005, the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines has been reported a growing number of HIV infections, of which young Filipinos account for a big percentage – e.g. 21 of the 59 HIV cases reported in March 2009 are Filipinos aged 15 to 24, 25 of the 85 cases reported in May 2009 are Filipinos aged 20 to 24, and 21 of the 70 HIV cases reported in July 2009 are Filipinos aged 15 to 24.

Already, YAFA has hosted a Youth Assembly on HIV & AIDS in three major cities in the Philippines in August 2009 – themed Together We are the Solution: It's Time to Stand for AIDS; as well as conducted a study to further understand the learning environment and the preparation of future Filipino healthcare professionals on HIV and/or AIDS.

YAFA’s drive is summarized in its tagline: Nothing about us without us.

For information, visit Adolescent RH Center, Social Hygiene Clinic, Manila Health Department, 208 Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila; or call (+632) 7116942; email admin@youthaidsfilipinasalliance.org; or visit www.youthaidsfilipinasalliance.org.