With the advancement of medicine and support systems, MO III Dr. Ronnel Mejaro of the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) said that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is no longer life-threatening during the press conference held at the PAGCOR Building, Balatas Rd., Naga City, on Thursday, June 13.
“HIV is no longer the life-threatening diagnosis it once was, so people living with HIV can meet fulfilling lives with proper treatment and care. Though it is important to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure access to sources for those affected. Triumph over adversity is always possible with the right support and budget,” Mejaro said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly a million people acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increasing the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. STI-affected individuals are urged to be screened for HIV as they are among those “key populations.”
The Philippines is also one of the countries with the most rapidly increasing HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases globally. Naga City has a population of 218,115 and will have accumulated 34 new cases of HIV in 2023, according to the Department of Health. The city also has various testing centers and numerous trained community-based screeners in Camarines Sur.
Mejaro highlighted that stigma around HIV is prevalent, and he asserted that medical staff should have a non-judgmental attitude. He said that the Naga City social hygiene clinic has a friendly and respectful staff, making the affected people more comfortable being assisted in the facility.
“Ini po sa paagi na dapat na-re-respeto ta sinda, asin kita helpful with helping hands with them. Also, we can take highly confidential data with a non-judgmental attitude. Ayaw natin na ma-feel nila na [hinusgahan] na agad natin ang pagkaroon nila ng ganitong kondisyon. Marahil po siguro, andun po kasi yung stigma, masyado malakas po ang stigma with the disease,” Mejaro said.
There are various proactive measures that health experts adhere to for people suffering from STIs: case management, referral to specialists for patients needing direct provision and confirmatory testing, counseling, and health education, which is a very important key function of the city health office.
The intervention of the city health office involves an awareness campaign and promulgates advocacy with the help of the media to slow down the rapid increase in cases.
“We also do partnerships with different agencies, be it with the workplace, civil society groups, as well as school. We do testing and then capacity building for your community-based trainers,” Mejaro added.
Mejaro stressed that HIV is a social issue and may lead to AIDS if left untreated, which may result in the death of the patient.
HIV not a death sentence
Dr. Joey Ranola, the chief epidemiologist of BMC, said that there are 725 patients enrolled in the BMC treatment hub, of whom 160 are from Naga City. This year, Naga City has been able to log 21 new patients into the said treatment hub.
Ranola also explained the difference between sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and AIDS. According to him, STI encompasses all the other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. HIV is the virus that causes such disease, making the immune system weak. Meanwhile, AIDS is the end part of HIV that a person has acquired. Ranola clarified that not all HIV-infected people have AIDS.
“In fact, sabi ko ngani ka yan, kung may HIV ka, bako man siya death sentence na, bako arog kang panahon. Ngunyan ta may bulong na, ang life expectancy halos pareho na sa mayong HIV. Provided nag-iinom sindang bulong, maray ang response kan bulong sainda, nagiging undetected ang virus sa hawak ninda, they can live a normal life…So sa mga taong may HIV, may pag-asa, ang bulong pigtatao yang libre hali sa gobyerno,” Ranola said.
He emphasized that modern treatments called antiretrovirals are highly effective in controlling HIV. With these medications, people can reach an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus is suppressed to such low levels that it can’t be transmitted to others. This allows individuals to live healthy, normal lives despite having HIV.
Seek treatment
Ma. Grace E. Guevarra, a medical technologist at the Naga City Health Office, stressed the importance of community awareness and encouraged individuals, especially those engaging in risky behaviors, to undergo testing and seek treatment.
“We really want to raise the alarm na HIV is really in our community, and we are inviting everyone na at least magkaugwa nin baseline and status, lalo na si mga may risky behaviors na inaapod ta, magpa-test po, dae matakot,” Guevarra said.
Richard Hayag, the president of Gentlemen Bicol for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Inc., shared that he has lived with HIV for nine years and is taking antiretroviral treatment for nine years. He also emphasized the organization’s advocacy for HIV awareness and the proper care for those living with the disease.
“Ang problema kasi sa community natin, ang mga kapatid natin na living with HIV ay even until now ay nakatago sa pulang laso, sa red ribbon, wala silang mga mukha, hindi natin sila kung sino sa community natin ang may HIV,” Hayag said.
Hayag has a same-sex and longtime partner who remains negative for the disease, highlighting the effects of taking antiretroviral treatment. He also highlighted that their organization will have an extension office in Naga City, giving the affected individuals the chance to seek accessible options for getting HIV tests. I Christian Largo, Quinn Simando, Sophia Julienne Maravilla