HIV services slowed as COVID-19 restrictions persists

 

HIV services slowed as COVID-19 restrictions persists

— curioshittii

   With COVID-19 restrictions in effect, the Department of Health reports that HIV testing has decreased by 61% and a 37% decrease in treatment in 2020 compared to that of 2019. When asked on how he has availed of HIV services, Raf, a 19-year-old student from Bulacan, claims that he finds it difficult to avail of testing services. 

   “I haven't tried availing HIV test yet. However, if there would be a time that I would want one, it'll be very difficult for me. HIV tests could be expensive and hard to find on local hospitals. Though here in Bulacan, an HIV Center offers free tests, but it's far from where I am residing. The pandemic is also a factor, I would rather stay at home than risk myself from COVID-19 exposure. So yes, it will be difficult for me to avail HIV Testing.” says Raf.

Interview with Doctor Weby Claracay

   The Philippines, being one of the countries with rising HIV infections, projects that the number of HIV infected Filipinos will spike up to 331,500 in 2030 due to the decrease in preventive services, treatment procurement, and the sustained sexual behavior of people. Doctor Weby Claracay, former consultant for the World Health Organization, claims that disseminating materials regarding HIV has been a challenge, especially towards the most affected due to the information bias that the pandemic has highlighted.

   “May access bias— kung wala kang access to internet, kahit na mag Facebook live kami nang bongga, 'di nila makukuha. So pre-pandemic, merong mga organizations na they have these youth ambassadors that would talk to their classmates about it. Yung iba dinadala nila yung classmate nila either sa tambayan, or facility, or ng community-based organization. Tapos, dun sila magle-lecture [kung] ano ang sexually transmitted infections; ano yung risky behaviors, etc. That was pre-pandemic; pero pandemic wise, you would really make use of your peer educators. Social networking pa rin yung peg natin. So, kung makakausap mo yung person na 'to through may peers kayo, mabibigyan mo sila ng information. Pero ayun nga, yung spread kasi ng information mas mabagal kumpara sa spread ng virus in that age group.” says Doctor Claracay.

   Doctor Claracay also pointed out in the interview that some clinics, mall-based testing sites, and community-based organizations had to close down due to the COVID-19 restrictions, barring access to HIV testing. Treatment procurement for HIV has been barred as well due to the restrictions imposed; it restricts the movements of citizens towards hospitals and clinics where they can avail of treatment. Additionally, the added threat of acquiring COVID-19 has prevented people from availing of HIV services.

Bacoor Social Hygiene Clinic modified protocols
(source: https://www.facebook.com/bacoorshc
/posts/1420023361702393

   The government, facilities, and community-based organizations have tried their best to ameliorate this adversary. The shift to the new normal has paved way for facilities to maximize social media and telemedicine in order to connect with potential stakeholders. Teleconsultation, appointment via phone, Facebook pages, connectivity via messenger and other tools has allowed organizations to conduct livestreams, the creation of informational materials, and other resources to help spread information regarding HIV and its prevention. Treatment procurement can also be directed towards couriers for easy and a much safer transfer towards people living with HIV. One example of this would have to be the Bacoor Social Hygiene Clinic; due to the rise of COVID-19 cases, the clinic was forced to only accommodate emergency cases, as well as people who have scheduled an appointment. 

   Also, according to Doctor Claracay, self-testing services has been piloted in some areas, one of which is Iloilo. These kits, however, are only given to those who regularly get tested as they already know what to do.