PRE-EXPOSURE medicines may soon be given to those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS, the regional Department of Health (DOH-7) office said yesterday.
Dr. Van Philip Baton, coordinator of the DOH’s Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Program, said the initiative will be launched at the National Capital Region (NCR) in coordination with a non-government organization (NGO).
But he said beneficiaries should submit themselves to HIV testing in order to monitor their status.
“We call this “PREP” or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis medicine. This medicine is also used by patients with HIV. So even if you are not infected with HIV virus, you
can still take this medicine so that you can be protected against the virus,” Dr. Baton said.
But he reminded the public on the side effects of taking the medicine like headache, dizziness and skin reactions.
Dr. Baton said their office is pursuing its advocacy to remind the public to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
“We are only at about 60 to 80 percent on our target in identifying those patients infected with HIV/AIDS in Central Visayas,” Dr. Baton said.
He said they recorded 447 new cases of HIV and 39 new cases of AIDS for the January to June 2017 period.
In June alone, 74 new HIV cases were recorded of which 72 were from Cebu and two cases in Bohol.
About 11 new cases of full blown AIDS were also reported in the region. Since 1984, Central Visayas recorded 4,165 cases of HIV/AIDS with 112 cases of death.
December 1 had been declared World AIDS Day while the month of December is known as AIDS Prevention Month.
HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, drug use through sharing of needles, blood transfusion and mother to child transmission.
The DOH-7 marks World AIDS Day on Saturday this week with a fun run that starts at the Ayala Center Cebu. Registration starts at P300 for 3K, P350 for 6K and P400 for 12K run.
A concert entitled “Divas Live” will also be held at the IEC Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, at 8 p.m.
Dr. Baton said proceeds of the concert will benefit HIV/AIDS patients. /Correspondent Futch Anthony Inso and USC Intern Therese Mae Alegado
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