Building on its long-standing commitment to global public health, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. today announced that Connect for Life™, a comprehensive HIV Disease Management Program developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), has been launched in a partnership between Janssen and the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), a non-governmental organization (NGO) running a specialist HIV care center with the Philippines General Hospital in Manila. Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), Inc. is a non-stock non-profit organization that offers high-quality, affordable HIV and primary care directly to the communities that need it most.
Every day since Jun6e 2016, 26 get infected. This is very alarming.
Every day since June 2016, 26 get infected. This is very alarming
The Connect for Life™ program aims to significantly reduce the burden of HIV by improving understanding of the attitudes people hold towards HIV and the factors that affect patient adherence to their medicines, as well as how well treatments work and the availability of ongoing care. Working together, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. and SHIP will undertake essential research into current awareness and attitudes toward HIV in the Philippines in order to generate the necessary evidence to guide education and treatment practices.
“Our goal with Connect for Life™ is to improve the lives of those affected by HIV and significantly reduce the incidence of the disease. Healthcare solutions and appropriate care planning must be centeredaround patients’ needs,” explained Dr.Randeep Gill, Disease Management Programs Leader, Janssen on the Connect for Life™ program. “We are delighted to work with committed local providers. Using an evidence-based approach we will engage in partnerships, design and develop integrated healthcare solutions focusing on patient’s and health care worker’s needs, and support the implementation of structured interventions to turn the tide on an increasing epidemic.”
The situation of the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of seven countries in the world where HIV infection rates are increasing. It had the highest proportional increase of infections among 15-24 year olds from 2005-2015, and the number of people living with HIV is anticipated to increase substantially by 2022. The quality of HIV care in the country is varied, with time from diagnosis to treatment and level of stigma differing greatly between regions.
The introduction of the Connect for Life™ program in the Philippines extends Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to addressing global unmet public health needs on a more focused and local basis, ensuring that solutions are tailored to the region and the needs of the community are fully understood in order to offer the best outcomes for patients.
The diverse geography of the Philippines often limits access to healthcare services and improved inter-connectivity between health providers could reduce variations in quality of care across the islands. Connect for Life™ offers treating physicians a clinical information system to further engage with their patients and offers patients the means to stay connected across remote locations.
“This collaboration forms part of an ongoing effort to leverage the strengths of Johnson & Johnson and bring forth innovative programs to improve health outcomes,” said Jeffrey Go, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Inc. “Through Connect for Life™ the patient is placed at the heart of the decision-making process which can build trust and understanding between the patient and their doctor, resulting in better health and well-being for people living with HIV.”
BY KIRK NGO
Dec. 1, 2016
Johnson & Johnson Introduces Connect for Life™ Program to Improve HIV Information