Towards the end of the 20th century, an epidemic started across the globe. Around the time of the 80s, when great innovation and success was occurring all over the world, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was discovered. The first records were in America and similar trends were starting to be seen around the world. This was heavily associated with gay people, sex work and drug addicts. 

“Prevention is better than a cure”.

A philosopher once said that “Prevention is better than a cure”. This great quote was said around 500 years ago, and it is still valid to this day. This is because several illnesses, diseases, and infections are easily preventable if one is diligent to take the necessary precautions beforehand. 

A way of preventing and reducing the risk of acquiring this virus is by using Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV more commonly known as PrEP. It is important to take this medication before you come in contact with HIV. This is not to be confused with PEP OR PEPSE – Post-exposure Prophylaxis which is to be taken after the exposure to HIV. 

What is PrEP?

PrEp is made by using two anti – HIV medications called Emtricitabine Tenofovir Disoproxil. This is taken in the form of a tablet once daily and reduces the ability to contract HIV through sex. If taken with a strict regime, this medication is proven to be highly effective in preventing HIV infection in MSM (men who have sex with men).

How can one be eligible for taking PrEP?

To become eligible to take PrEP, one has to be prescribed by G.U Physicians or Infectious Disease Specialists. One is also tested for HIV testing, HBV testing and basic renal function test before being eligible to take this drug.

This medication can be taken according to how much you need it, aka on-demand or continuous. However, it is extremely important that the person taking PrEP follows the regime religiously because if it is missed once, the effectiveness of the medication is reduced and therefore, acquiring HIV may be possible.

PrEP in Malta

PrEP is highly accessible in Malta and for 30 tablets it can be yours for €56.70. It can be found at a number of pharmacies around Malta and Gozo. Although a hot topic and sensitive subject for many, NGOs are working hard to stop the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.

If anyone would need any more information on PrEP or a support service NGOs are more than happy to help out.

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The post Don't risk it, Prevent it | MHSA appeared first on The Third Eye.

It is arguable that HIV and AIDS are in fact, daunting terms after all. This virus and disease date back to the era of permed hair, voguing and dancing queen, labelled as topics of extreme taboo and stigma. So, what is it that makes HIV and AIDS so different from other health issues?

The distinction between HIV and AIDS

Firstly, there is a large misconception regarding semantics. What are HIV and AIDS, truly? Although the two terms are related, they are not interchangeable as many seem to think.

HIV is the virus itself. It can be contracted by humans through a number of different routes and causes infection. AIDS is the syndrome that may come about as a result of this infection, which causes a drastic decrease in the body’s immune system, which usually works to fight against illness and disease.

This, therefore, means that a simple cold could be fatal to someone who has AIDS, as the body is unable to fight it.

Secondly, the routes through which HIV is contracted are ones that are associated with certain behaviours and classes of people, especially back in the 80s when it first emerged.

One can receive HIV through three main routes: sexual intercourse, needle-sharing, and birthing. As a result, a stigma was born, one which we unfortunately sometimes still see today; that AIDS is the illness of homosexuals, the illness of drug addicts, the illness of the sexually promiscuous. However, the reality is that HIV sees no colour, no identity, no sexual orientation, and ultimately has no cure.

ART therapy

It has proven difficult to achieve a gold-standard treatment to help in the eradication of AIDS, because of the myriad of strains that HIV possesses. However, science has since produced antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people who are HIV-positive. Science is improving this therapy constantly and making it more globally accessible.

As a result, the number of people dying from AIDS has substantially decreased, and it being a death sentence has become a thing of the past. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to AIDS were 56% fewer in 2018 than in 2004. In fact, ending the AIDS epidemic is in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations back in 2015.

The importance of sexual education

So you may be thinking, if there currently is no remedy, how can AIDS be fully eradicated within the decade? The answer lies in the wise words of Desiderius Erasmus: “Prevention is better than cure.” Although AIDS is one of the largest epidemics to ever hit humanity, it is also the best avoided, and the first step to do so is through education.

Sexual education should no longer be a topic of taboo, but one that is encouraged and implemented.

Let us…

• …emphasise to our children that safe sexual practices are there to keep them healthy and unharmed, and not to simply prevent unwanted pregnancies.
• …speak more openly about the health care services provided, that checking up at the GU clinic is just as important as checking up at your general practitioner.
• …introduce sexual education catered for all sexual orientations and practices.
• …promote the availability of medications such as PrEP, which protect those that are more likely to get HIV than others.
• …end all stigma and all taboo that come with HIV and AIDS by being the first to break the silence.

Join MMSA on the 1st December in Valletta in front of the Parliament building…

…where we shall be putting up information stands on safe sexual practices and AIDS prevention in collaboration with GU Clinic, HPDP, MGRM and VJ Salomone.

Helpful contacts:

GU Clinic Direct Line: (00356) 2545 7494; For appointment: (00356) 2122 7981

This article is dedicated to all men and women who have faced discrimination in light of their HIV status. May the future be brighter.

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The post HIV and AIDS – 2 reasons why we need Sex Ed | MMSA appeared first on The Third Eye.