Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry: August 2014 Report

In August 2014, there were 509 new HIV cases in the Philippines, according to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry of the Department of Health, National Epidemiology Center (DOH-NEC)

From the report, , most of the cases were male, with males having sex with males as the predominant type of sexual transmission. 82% of the total cases came from the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region 4A, Region 7 Region 3 and Region 11.

From 1984-2014, there were 20,424 cases of HIV in the Philippines, 1,857 AIDS cases reported and 1,052 deaths among people with HIV.

For more details, please refer to the full report below.

Source: Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry August 2014, DOH-NEC










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

-Pozziepinoy-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:





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Sunday, September 21, 2014

Be Strong


Tatlong taon ako naghintay para lang makapagpatest, lagi nalang bahag buntot ko sa di ko malaman na dahilan. Tatlong taon ko sinubaybayan ang blog na ito. Sa paghahanap ko bout hiv natunton ko ito. sarap basahin ng mga story nila. Sobrang nakakaiyak na pakiramdam ko ay ako ung nasa ganung sitwasyon. 

 Tatlong taon ako nagkaron ng stigma/delimma na meron ako, na positibo ako. hanggang isang araw may nakachat ako dito na positibo at kahit ganun pa man ay napaka positibo ng kanyang mga pananaw kaya ako ay naglakas lakasan ng loob na magpacheck.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Needs Help!

Hi, i'm "Juan", 19 years old and currently studying as a senior student (yes, i might march this graduation season, hopefully). I wrote to you because i am profoundly in need of help, like I am totally freaking out right now; it actually messes my life. For I fear that I might have it. So here's my story.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Conclusive Test Result

Hello,

I would just like to ask how long does it take before I could receive a 100% CONCLUSIVE test result? I had unprotected sex last August 23 and anxious about my status. When can I take the test?

Thanks!

On Working Abroad

Good day.

 Im 27 years old and i found out that i am positive since last year and i keep thinking working abroad. My pag asa pa po bang akong makapag trabaho abroad kong meron man pls share kong anung mga bansa ang nag aallow na mag work people that who are positive in hiv.

johnmyk

Thinking of STD's


Good day pozzie,

 Ako nga pla si Bren, Hirap man i-admit pero I think I'm gay. I just keep it discrete para na rin di ako layuan o ikahiya sa amin.

 Nagkaroon ako ng sexual encounter sa isang discrete gay sa manila. I did have sex with him not only for pleasure but kailangan ko rin ng matutuluyan nung gabi na yun. Galing din kasi from our province and went to Manila dahil may overseas job interview ako.
He look so clean and knowing that he is working sa isang fitness center. Though I know ill be getting into trouble I gave him a try. Third time ko tong matry makipagsex sa kapwa ko guy and may second time to try anal sex.

 A week after that sex I feel a burning sensation when I pee then a greenish thick liquid discharges oit my penis. I know this are symptoms of clap. Pero di ko inintindi at inisip ko na mawawala rin after a week and wala akong pera for consultation.
Umabot po ng more than a month and still I have those symptoms but this time white discharges na sya and medyo excessive na. Frequent n lng ung burning sensation.
I searched some topics about hiv and my case and luckily nkita ko blog mo. But it seems na di na maxadong active. Hope this email is still active para nman masagot mga doubts ko.

Save A Life Today!

The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation Inc. (TRR) is an foundation of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), advocates and supporters. There are no employed staff, but all volunteers who are willing to help others. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV in the Philippines.

For 3 years of the foundation's existence, TRR has been assisting our financially challenged PLHIV for their laboratory tests, hospitalization bills and medicines. Sometimes, our brothers and sisters would ask TRR for transportation to and from the hospital if they are from the province and request the foundation assistance for courier services for their ARV or daily food in the shelters. We also have activities for care and support such as the group talks, skill workshops and health and fitness programs. We also help our dedicated and regular volunteers with food and transportation when needed.

However, we can't do everything without your help. Help us to help others by donating to the Foundation and sharing a part of your life to others. Your donation may be big or small, but collectively all our donations can help save lives.

TRR is very transparent when it comes to all donations. We post our monthly report here for all our donors to see, so that they will know where all the donations are going. 

Help us help others! Save lives now!

 Click the button here or in the blog at the top right side.

                                                        









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

-Pozziepinoy-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:





© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 











Monday, September 8, 2014

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named"


Lord Voldemort (born Tom Marvolo Riddle) is a fictional character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. He is the archenemy of Harry, who according to a prophecy has "the power to vanquish the Dark Lord". Almost no witch or wizard dares to speak his name, instead referring to him by epithets as as "You-Know-Who" and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

 In contrast to this story, the letters HIV is familiar to Voldemort. It has stigma to it that nobody can even mention it directly except the HIV advocates and doctors. For the general public, it feels like no one wants to speak of it or directly address it during normal, day to day conversations.

 Let's take on a simple case. All my family members and the members of the family of my partner Tag knew about me having HIV. It is a fact that we disclosed ever since I got diagnosed in 2011. On day 2, we told everyone about my diagnosis. We made it a point to share it with them so that we don't have to worry about them thinking of other illnesses. We believed that we didn't have to lie about it so that everything is out in the open, so we can discuss it freely, or talk about it in public.

 Well, my HIV and AIDS became a matter of fact. After the disclosure, it was never talked about. It is like a thing of the past, like a passing of an evil spirit. It was like a dark cloud that happened once and never happened again. They see me happy and healthy and HIV and AIDS conversations were as scarce as a grain of salt in a salt bag.

 Once in a while though, our families would ask us about my condition. They would check if I'm ok, but they can't say the magic word "HIV". It is like asking me if I was ok because I have "You-Know-What". The "You-Know-What" can't be verbalized as if it so evil and so scary like "He-Would-Must-Not-Be-Named" in Harry Potter.

 Well even my friends, can't say the magic letters. Again, once in a while, they would ask how I am, and how my health condition is but never directly say HIV. Once again, the "You-Know-What" or HIV can't be directly spoken. It is so scary to even be spoken about. Quite annoying as you feel how people try to construct their sentences so that it would not come out as rude or discriminating or judgmental.

 But how come people still can't say it? Is HIV so serious and so scary that one can't say it to another person? Does this mean that they are so naive about it that they are so careful in saying it? Does it signify their level of awareness and knowledge about it? Does saying HIV directly to a person with HIV comes all the time with prejudice? Or do they feel that saying the letters of my disease is offensive?

 I know for a fact that there was a tinge of pain years ago when Tag would say that I have HIV and AIDS, but that openness made me accept it more easy. We can say and discuss HIV freely and without judgement. I love my family and friends, but somehow I wish that they too would directly say HIV instead of "You-Know-What".

 Looking back I realized that I am to be blamed for this. I also taught them not to say it. Whenever, they say "You-Know-What", I just accepted it and not tried to correct it. I educated them the wrong way. I made them feel that not saying HIV is ok.

 Changes should be done. I turned a blind eye for a long time but this has to stop. I have to make sure that when they start saying or implying "You-Know-What" or "He-Who-Must-Not-be-named", I should tell them that it is ok to say HIV and AIDS to me. I have to make them feel that I am comfortable when they say it. I have to make them realize that there is nothing scary behind the words HIV and AIDS.

 Voldemort is the name of "You-Know-Who" or "He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named". However HIV is not Voldemort and the other epithets. It is JUST another chronic disease like diabetes and hypertension which are manageable with proper treatment and proper attitude. Let us openly verbalize it. Let us talk about it in the open. Speak it out during conversations and eventually, we will realize that there is nothing to be scared about behind the 'magic' letters. Let us help our loved ones to be comfortable with the letters, with our diagnosis to educate them and make them aware that everything is ok.



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

-Pozziepinoy-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:





© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 




















Questions From Singapore

Hello,

 Just a short history. I am an employer from Singapore whose worker is being deported back to the Philippines as she has been diagnosed with HIV.

 I am particularly worried since she does not know the treatment options back in the Philippines and I am trying to find out as much as possible for her.

 For instance, how does she get PhilHealth membership documents and ID. Also, what would be the cost for a membership for a person who is likely to be unemployed once she returns to the Philippines.

 Let's also just assume that she would be located somewhere close to Iloilo City, is there anyone who she can talk to directly should she have any questions?

 Also what must the CD4 count be before she will qualify for the free medications? And how much medications will she receive each time? (She lives an hour away from the city center).

 Hope you can help with my questions as she is very scared and feels rather alienated.

 God bless,
L
POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

 Hi L.

 Thank you for your email. Thank you for sharing your questions and your concern for your friend.

 For the sake of the readers, let me share that Singapore is one of the countries that deport foreign workers with HIV. This work restriction has been viewed by the entire world as a violation of human rights, however up to know the Singaporean government has been deaf to the plea of the world. Up to now, more Filipinos are being deported once they have been proven to have HIV. This usually happens during contract renewals when an HIV test is mandatory to all employees. The recourse of our fellow Filipinos, if they are doubtful about their HIV status, is before they end their contract, they come home to the Philippines first and get tested to make sure about their status. If they turn out to be positive, they just don't renew their contracts. However, for some people they are caught off guard. Once they got tested, they will be summoned by the Ministry of Health. Some are even accosted by the police from their place of work and directly be brought to the airport and be scheduled for deportation. Really devastating but it is the reality in Singapore and in the middle eastern countries.

 Now going back to your concerns, let me answer them in the order that you asked them.

 1. Regarding PhilHealth, once she gets here in the country, since she is unemployed, she can become a individual paying member. She can pay as an individual contributor monthly of P200 to any PhilHealth office. It is an easy process. just fill out the application form and pay either per month or quarterly or even yearly. In just an hour or so, she can get her PhilHealth ID with her membership certification.

 2. If she decides to reside in Iloilo, she may contact these numbers of our counselors based there:
0919-642-9286
0977-131-2046
0917-932-3122
0999-346-5330

 We can definitely assist her all over the country.

 3. For free medications, her CD4 must be at 350 and below. However, with the new ARV Guidelines, even at 500 the doctors can already recommend ART. Of course, the choice will be on the client's readiness as once started, there is no turning back. This means that starting the antiretroviral medicines can't stop anymore while she is alive, of course until a cure has been found for HIV.

 Usually the HIV medicines that will be given are good for 3 months so that the client won't have to come back frequently to the HIV and AIDS Treatment hub. However, this would rely on the availability of the medicines.

 We can definitely help your friend. Tell her to reach out to us as soon as she comes to the Philippines. It is hard at first, but trust me when I tell you that everything will be ok.

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

 Pozziepinoy

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Symptomatic Now!

Hi Pozziepinoy,

 Thank you for creating this blog. I found this really helpful and it has enlightened me more about HIV cases.

 I do have my biggest concern though. It has been almost a year since I had unprotected sex. Later last month, I had a very strange fever, flu and dry cough. I went to Makati Medical Center and their diagnosis is systemic viral illness and advised me to seek an infectious disease specialist. My fever has been recurring alrerady for the past 4 weeks and it even reaches to 39.8 degrees celcius. I also felt prolonged tiredness and fatigue lately. Last week, there were red patches and rashes all over my arms. I am still suffering with fever as of this writing.

 I have researched online and I found out that some of the symptoms of HIV are somehow present as I endure this viral illness. I am afraid to get tested. Based on this, I would like to confirm from you if I am suffering with HIV?

 Your prompt reply is greatly appreciated.

 Cheers,
Hopeful.
POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

 Hi Hopeful.

 Thank you for your email. Thank you for reading the blog. I am so glad that you found the blog and somehow got enlightened by the posts here.

 I believe that you know what I am going to tell you. Get tested! This is the only way to know if you have HIV or not. HIV has non specific symptoms, no matter how many articles you have read on the internet. This means that there are a variety of symptoms each individual may have, and some people even have none. However, the HIV test is the only way to diagnose HIV and nothing else, so if you said that you had unprotected sex, you need need to get tested ASAP.

 In the country, based on the last HIV and AIDS Registry from the national Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (NEC-DOH), there are 585 new cases cases in July 2014. This has been the highest number of cases of HIV so far. Every month, it is increasing and even DOH has estimated that by the end of 2014, the cases may reach to 30,000 in the country. The increasing trend is quite alarming and this hsould be addressed and given focus and attention by the government and the civil society.

 Hopeful, please do what I tell you to do as soon as possible. Please take the HIV test. If you have recurring symptoms, that means there really is something wrong with your body. Don't take it for granted. Immediate diagnosis is very important here for immediate treatment. Immediate diagnosis also means, less cost for treatment. I don't want to scare you but since you have read articles about HIV, and I know you know that delaying HIV diagnosis and treatment sometimes can be fatal. Think of yourself. Think of your family and loved ones.

 Trust me when I say that the HIV test is the most important decision that you will ever have in your life. By taking the HIv test, uyou will be able to control your life, your health and your future.

 I hope I was able to answer your concern. Please feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

 Pozziepinoy

Hub far From Home

Magandang araw po, Pozziepinoy. Very thankful po ako na nakita koi tong poage mo. Malaking tulong ito sa mga positibong kagaya ko. Kaya po ako sumulat ay para makahingi po ng konting tulong. Mejo mabigat po kasi sa part ko na ishoulder yung ipapadalang gamut (ARV’s) mula Maynila papunta sa probinsya naming every 2 months (LBC). Wala pa po akong trabaho dahil kakarecover ko lang.

Sana po matulungan ninyo ako. Tatanawin kong malaking utang na loo bang anumang tulong na inyong ipapaabot. Maraming salamat po.


Jay

POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

Hi Jay.

Thank you for sending me an email. Thank you for reading the blog.

You know what, your concern is also the concern of most people from the hubs. Of course it is really hard to travel to and from the HIV and AIDS treatment Hubs if you are financially challenged. This directly also poses a threat to adherence to  HIV Treatment.

However, there are things that you may want to do, so that you will be able to still get your medicines.

1    1. You may opt to transfer hubs. Like what we always tell our clients during counseling, accessibility is the most important. If you are far from the hub, you may try to enroll in another hub that is near you. This will enable you to do more frequent trips instead. With less burden to your finances.

2    2. You may ask your current hub if they can send you through courier. Some hubs do it for a minimum price.

3    3. You may need to seek the assistance of your family and support system. Sometimes, we tend to keep our disease to ourselves that we forget that we have families who can help and support us, in times of need. Give them the opportunity to help you. Let them share their love for you by asking them .

4    4. You may also ask you Mayor or Barangay captain for assistance. Some of our clients really ask for help and they really had been given help, especially if you are economically challenged. All you have to do is to prove that you really can’t afford it .

5    5. There is stock limitations now, but as soon as it normalizes, you can ask your treatment hub for more supply up to 6 months. You just have to explain to them your current financial status and I really know that they will understand.

Don’t despair. There are really ways to do it. All you need is guts and the will to fight and you will be ok.

I hope I was able to answer your concern. Please feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Pozziepinoy