HIV Screening, Testing and HEATS
Posted by Pozziepinoy on 11:33 AM
1. Condomless sex
2. Condomless sex with multiple partners
3. Sharing of needles
4. If you have symptoms of any sexually transmitted infections.
In the Philippines, the cases of HIV are still on the rise. A multitude of Filipinos with HIV still don't know that they have HIV because they have not undergone HIV screening and testing. Unfortunately, because of a lot still don't use condoms either because of beliefs or inadequate education, everyday, the cases of people getting HIV is increasing. The youth is the most vulnerable. The age group from 14 to 24 has shown an increase of HIV cases. Overseas Filipino workers are getting evicted and imprisoned in the Middle East and Muslim nations because they have HIV. There are now cases of wives getting their HIV from their husbands, and cases of babies from their mothers. In Visayas, there is an increase of HIV cases because of needle sharing among drug users.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP THE EPIDEMIC?
There are two ways to stop the spread of HIV.
1. Early HIV Screening and Testing
The best way to control the spread of HIV is by taking an early HIV screening or testing:
a. Even if you don't have any of the risks from the risk assessment showed above, still take
the HIV screening or test. take it on a regular basis either every 6 months or every year.
b. Stay HIV negative. Once you know your status, take the necessary precautions:
i. A: Abstinence: If you can refrain, then do it.
ii. B: Be faithful: Sticking to one partner will lower the risk of getting HIV. Make sure that
your partner also is faithful to avoid any risks.
iii. C: Correct and Consistent use of Condoms.
i. Make sure that condoms are worn properly.
ii. Make sure condoms have no tear or breaks
iii. make sure to check the expiration of the condoms
iv. make sure to store the condoms properly
v. Make sure that with condom use, appropriate water-based lubricant is also used.
iv. D. Don't use drugs or alcohol prior to sexual intercourse
i. Don't share needles with someone.
ii. Don;t use drugs or alcohol prior to sex as this may cloud your judgement.
v. E: education: Be educated. The best armor against HIV is by thinking smart and right.
2. Early Treatment
Another way to stop the spread of HIV is by getting treatment. If one has HIV and is taking his antiretroviral medicines on a regular basis, eventually the viral load or amount of virus in the body becomes undetectable, meaning it is minuscule to:
a. wreck havoc to one's health
b. the risk of transmitting the virus is very small.
If one has HIV, antiretroviral adherence is very important. If a person consistently and regularly takes his medicines, HIV stops with him or her as soon as his or her viral load becomes undetectable.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT!
The first step is to take the HIV Test. There is nothing to be scared about because there is an HIV law in the Philippines that will protect your identity. The HIV screening or test is confidential and voluntary. It is not a requirement for employment. Only you will know the result.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
1. HIV Screening or Test is not a prerequisite for employment
2. HIV Screening or Test is voluntary
3. If you have HIV, you can still study and work
4. If you have HIV, you can still work abroad
5. If you have HIV, you can be in a medical profession
6. The medicines or antiretrovirals are free here in the Philippines
7. HIV consultation is free in the HIV treatment Hubs
8. There are more than 100 testing facilities in the country
9. There are treatment hubs in the regions of the Philippines
10. There are government agencies that have services for people living with HIV:
a. DOH
b. PhilHealth's Out-patient HIV and AIDS Treatment Package
c, DSWD Services
d. Local Government Unit: HIV clinics and services
11. There are HIV support groups all over the country.
12. There are HIV doctors specializing in children with HIV
So what are you waiting for? Take the HIV Screening or testing now.
Project Red Ribbon is offering FREE HIV Screening.
1. You may go to our office at:
Unit 607 Lumiere Suites, #21 General Capinpin Street,
Barangay San Antonio, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Tel. No. : 656-7297
2. We bring the HIV Screening to you for FREE:
a. Small Group: For Metro Manila, we can do the screening in your area or house just
invite at least 10 people who will be screened
b. Big Groups: At least 50 clients
i. School
ii. Companies
iii. Faith-based organizations
iv. LGBTQIA Organizations
v. Local government units or government agencies
vi. other NGO's
Project Red Ribbon offers HIV Education, Awareness, Testimonial and Screening (HEATS)
If you belong to a school, company, organization, government or non-government organization, and you want us to give a talk about HIV, we can do it for a small donation to the Foundation.
You may contact our Program Director Mr. Darwin Tenoria for details about HEATS.
QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS?
WANT TO GET TESTED?
CALL US!
TRR HIV Hotline Numbers
0915-427-3407
0906-390-1031
0927-287-8210
0975-387-3173
Office: TThS Phone Counselling
9am-4pm
(02) 656-7297
If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Darwin Tenoria, the TRR Executive Director and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.
"Spreading Compassion"
-Project Red Ribbon-
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