Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 39)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 39, s. 1992 is to create the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) as a national policy and advisory body to oversee the prevention and control of HIV infection and AIDS in the Philippines.
The Department of Health is instructed to take the lead in the creation and establishment of the PNAC.
The PNAC includes representatives from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Labor and Employment, Justice, Tourism, Local Government, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development, and Foreign Affairs.
The Secretary of Health or his representative chairs the Philippine National AIDS Council.
The Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority acts as the Vice-Chair of the PNAC.
NGOs and private volunteer groups are called upon to coordinate their activities with governmental bodies in AIDS prevention and control, respond appropriately to local conditions for resource mobilization, and contribute to AIDS prevention and control programs, especially in primary health care and community development.
It allows for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, NGOs, private volunteer groups, and other parties to ensure effective policy development, avoid discrimination, and control the spread of HIV/AIDS nationwide.
The PNAC advises the President on policy development for AIDS prevention and control, ensures legal provisions do not impede national AIDS strategies, collaborates with other agencies to overcome discrimination, and may create sub-committees to study policy issues and recommend program implementations.
The epidemic is still in its early stages, presenting an opportunity to prevent infection among the rest of the population.
Because the spread of HIV/AIDS is a complex issue requiring a coordinated societal response from government agencies, NGOs, private groups, and communities for effective prevention and control, addressing both medical and social aspects.