Monday, July 15, 2013

Email 448: Assistance to PLHIV's


Thanks so much for you website and blog. Really appreciate its informative content. 

I have a question, and I hope you dont mind. I am based in LA and i just found out that my cousin's 25 year old son is HIV Positive. They are super super super super poor. They lack funding for medication ... i was wondering if you know of any agencies or organizations that provide assistance to HIV Positive people. 

Thanks a lot- I appreciate your help. I feel bad for the kid - he is only 25 years old and his parents dont know what to do. : (

Thanks for your assistance ... 

Edwin 

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi Edwin.

Thank you for your email.

Being poor is really not an obstacle per se when it comes to HIV treatment in the Philippines.   What basically stops PLHIV's or their families in getting the right treatment is the fear to reach out and the lack of information about HIV in the Philippines.

For instance, when it comes to HIV treatment,

1. Most treatment hubs, provide cheaper baseline tests and CD4 testing.
2. Some hubs, like RITM-ARG in Alabang provides free baseline tests and CD4 testing.
3. HIV meds or ARV's are FREE in all HIV/AIDS Treatment hubs.
4. All doctor's consultations in the HIV/AIDS government treatment hubs are FREE.

However, some PLHIV's become financially burdened when the condition becomes full blown AIDS with the presence of opportunistic infections. The reason for this is that:

1. HIV/AIDS Hubs can't shoulder the expenses of hospitalisation, lab tests and medicines due to the presence of infections.

But there is a solution to this.

1. The PLHIV and the family can approach the DSWD or social worker of the hospital to seek medical assistance.
2. The PLHIV or the family can get medical assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The requirements are in the PCSO's website.
3. Some hubs, especially RITM-ARG, linked up with PAFPI and they provide medical assistance to PLHIV's that need it the most.

The Filipinos are very loving and caring people. We all know how our fellow PLHIV's can be helped. All the PLHIV needs to do is to reach out to these organizations that I mentioned above so he or she can get the needed help.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.


Stay healthy,
Pozziepinoy







"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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