Leon, Guanajuato.- In order to reduce the incidence of HIV and prevent vulnerable populations at risk from contracting the disease, PrEP has begun to be approved in three CAPASITAs in Guanajuatoand drug what reduce las chances of getting this virus.
Eva Gutierrez Delgadodirector of the Outpatient Center for the Prevention and Care of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (CAPASITS) León, said that in addition to PrEP, PEP is also available, a drug that was previously only given to people who suffered sexual violence.
He pointed out that it is necessary for the patient to first go to a consultation for a medical assessment and to be able to determine which of the two drugs he is a candidate for, and explained that they only protect against HIV, because they do not provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections, such as are gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C.
“There are two modalities, one is called PEP and other PrEP, this means that there must be probable exposure to HIV, either through an episode of sexual violence, if there was a risk such as not using a condom during intercourseor if the sex worker is not allowed to use it, and the employer or clients do not allow him to use condoms at work.
“In those cases where exposure has already occurred, PEP can be taken, and these are generally three drugs to avoid HIV infection. Anyone of any gender or sexual identity can access PEP free of charge at some IMSS hospitals or health systems, which means taking medication after a well-documented exposure to avoid getting HIV,” he explained.
The PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention strategy that consists of taking a pill every day that creates protection in a person’s body to reduce the chances of getting HIV if they are exposed to the virus.
We have a stock of medicines, funds and staff, we just need people who want to take it, even at the national level there are few people who have come forward”, he admitted.
in CAPACITIES is offered attention from From Monday to Friday from 7 am to 9 pm Mr drugs are assigned to those who do not have IMSS or Issstewhile HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C tests are performed on everyone regardless of who is eligible.
There are documents that say that in Australia the incidence of HIV has dropped by 30%, and in San Francisco, California, by about 23%”, emphasized Gutiérrez Delgado.
He added that the goal for this year is grants PrEP for 300 patients across the stateHowever, to date there are only 18 CAPASITS León patients taking this medicine.
IMSS units in Guanajuato that provide PrEP are General hospital zone no. 4 in Celajathe General hospital zone no. 2 in Irapuatthe Zone General Hospital No. 21 and General Regional Hospital No. 58these last two in León.
Who is PrEP recommended for?
It is recommended for anyone who is sexually active without barrier methods of contraception such as male or female condoms.
As well as for men who have sex with men, transgender women, sex workers, people with a lot of sexual activity and irregular use of condoms or other condoms, and people whose partner has HIV, regardless of whether they are on treatment or not.
A.M