Give in Matanzas integral assistant to people with VIH

Give an integral assistant to the people that live with the virus human immunodeficiency in Matanzas (VIH) and prevent the contagion are prioritized lines for the Community Center for the Prevention of STIs, which works so that by 2030 HIV/AIDS is not a health problem for Cuba, the objective of the National Program for the Control and Prevention of this pandemic.

In this sense, several services are integrated in the province that also contribute to early diagnosis and follow-up and support to patients, which have the insertion of health personnel and promoters.

Pablo Omar Milián Valle, specialist of the Provincial STI-HIV AIDS Program, explains that among the services provided by the Center are anonymous and confidential counseling, the help line, the consultation of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for key populations and Post Exposure Prophylaxis.

To these is added, in addition, the legal guidance service that deals with cases stigmatized, discriminated against or that have had a problem of any other nature, where a legal solution is necessary. In this instance they receive guidance on how to proceed.

In the same way, they receive the support of support networks such as Men who have sex with other Men (HCH) and Red Cub+, a civil organization from which those who live with HIV/AIDS defend and take care of their own rights through coordinators. and adherence managers.

“Sometimes we have people with socioeconomic problems or alcoholism and they are given help, they are shown the path to follow or they are referred to where they need it with the idea of ​​solving the problem that affects their adherence to therapy. ”, explains Dr. Sadiel Prieto Rodríguez, coordinator of medical assistance for HIV and PreP.

“Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the formula I = I, that is, Undetectable = Untransmissible, therefore, it is one of the strategies of the WHO so that by 2030 the HIV/AIDS epidemic does not constitute a health problem world. For this reason, it is necessary to achieve good treatment coverage, that people adhere and manage to be undetectable and stop viral replication”, adds Prieto Rodríguez.

Matanzas was a pioneer in the country in the application of PrEP, for key populations (HCH, trans people and those who practice transactional sex), a service through which prophylaxis is ensured before being exposed to the virus to avoid contagion. (ALH)

Translated by Casterman Medina de Leon