2023-12-01 14:45:14
Investigation by Manuel Matar:
People living with HIV (AIDS) suffer from unethical judgments and accusations once morest them, which causes them constant fear and anxiety.
The World Health Organization stated that the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, while acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is the most advanced stage of the disease.
On World AIDS Day, infectious and bacteriological diseases specialist Dr. Jalal Abdo indicated in an interview with IMLebanon that “the HIV virus is transmitted through blood or contact with fluids secreted by the body, i.e. milk, semen, vaginal or anal fluid, or through sharing needles through Drugs and sharp tools contaminated with the virus.”
He explained that “its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of any other virus, such as the common cold, which are general fatigue and high body temperature,” pointing out that it is not necessary for everyone who suffers from cold symptoms to be infected with HIV. The person must monitor his sexual relations if they are unprotected.
Moreover, Abdo stressed that “to avoid infection with the virus, you must adhere to protected relationships through condoms and limit yourself to one partner.”
He announced that “the current protocol includes performing a rapid test, i.e. Rapid Test, and if the result is positive, the patient needs to perform two additional tests for confirmation, namely the ELISA test and the PCR test, and the latter test is considered more accurate, as it shows the number of viruses in the blood, while The other test focuses on antibodies in the blood.”
He pointed out that “the approved treatment provided by the National AIDS Control Program for free is the best in the world, and it is a pill whose goal is to control the virus, not cure it,” stressing that “those who adhere to the treatment reach a stage in which 90% are not infected during sex.” As for those who do not follow up on their treatment, their immunity deteriorates, and they become infected with other viruses that exploit the weak immunity and kill them.”
Abdo continued: “We hold lectures to confirm that those who live with HIV or AIDS have no fear and can live with them normally,” stressing “the importance of AIDS awareness seminars to help society understand this virus and accept those living with it.”
In addition, a table published by the Ministry of Health in Lebanon revealed the latest numbers of people living with HIV and AIDS until the end of November 2023, announcing the recording of 261 new infections during this year, raising the total number to 2731. It should be noted here that the number is higher compared to With last year recording 180 new infections.
The Ministry of Health report shows the distribution of infections by sex, age, gender identity, how the infection is transmitted, and the number of people receiving treatment. You can see the details in the table below:
In turn, Berto Maksou, director of the “Proud Lebanon” association, advised, via IMLebanon, sexually active people to “conduct their periodic examinations in the specialized associations, including “Proud,” addressing those living with the virus, saying: “This is not the end of the world, as the medicine is provided free of charge from the program.” National AIDS Control and the Ministry of Health, and treating HIV is easy with one pill a day that enables you to live normally and is less dangerous than diabetes or other diseases,” pointing out that “the problem lies in stigma in society, where we must accept each other despite our differences.”
Berto said: “We work to provide health services, including confidential and free voluntary examinations for all people living with HIV and all sexually transmitted diseases. We distribute prevention materials with the cooperation and support of the National AIDS Control Program. We provide support to people and help them obtain the required medications and provide medical services in a way that respects their privacy and dignity.” In a free way, we enable them to be effective in their society,” he said, revealing that examinations are provided in the association’s centers and through mobile clinics in various Lebanese regions.
It is very necessary to understand what people living with HIV and AIDS are going through, provide them with constant moral support instead of judging them, and help them integrate into society like any normal person instead of unjustified isolation, which shows some people’s ignorance of this issue.
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