Section 44Sec./Art. 44

Functions. – The Council shall be the central advisory, planning and policy-making body for the comprehensive and integrated HIV/AIDS prevention and control program in the Philippines. The Council shall perform the following functions:

(a) Secure from government agencies concerned recommendations on how their respective agencies could operationalize specific provisions of this Act. The Council shall integrate and coordinate such recommendations and issue implementing rules and regulations of this Act. The Council shall likewise ensure that there is adequate coverage of the following:

(1) The institution of a nationwide HIV/AIDS information and education program;

(2) The establishment of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitoring system;

(3) The issuance of guidelines on medical and other practices and procedures that carry the risk of HIV transmission;

(4) The provision of accessible and affordable HIV testing and counselling services to those who are in need of it;

(5) The provision of acceptable health and support services for persons with HIV/AIDS in hospitals and in communities;

(6) The protection and promotion of the rights of individuals with HIV; and

(7) The strict observance of medical confidentiality.

(b) Monitor the implementation of the rules and regulations of this Act, issue or cause the issuance of orders or make recommendations to the implementing agencies as the Council considers appropriate;

(c) Develop a comprehensive long-term national HIV/AIDS prevention and control program and monitor its implementation;

(d) Coordinate the activities of and strengthen working relationships between government and non-government agencies involved in the campaign against HIV/AIDS;

(e) Coordinate and cooperate with foreign and international organizations regarding data collection, research and treatment modalities concerning HIV/AIDS; and

(f) Evaluate the adequacy of and make recommendations regarding the utilization of national resources for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.