DEPRESSION and HIV

 

Source: http://www.poz.com/index_focus.shtml

 

 

JaKe Positive. BE SAFE! +)

HIV and AIDS Treatment Care and Support in The Philippines

                                

Upon diagnosis of a person as HIV + he/she needs to prioritize and secure these important things to ensure that he/she is able to access proper treatment and support.

1. Secure copy of your Confirmatory/Western Blot Test and present it to a Doctor preferably an Infectious Disease Doctor. He is the right Doctor that could help you and plan out your treatment. If you don't know any then ask for someone in a healthcare facility that you trust that could direct you to one.

2. Secure and Pay your PhilHealth membership. A Person Living with HIV here in the Philippines is entitled access of the OHAT (Outpatient HIV and AIDS Treatment) Package given by PhilHealth all you need to do is to pay your PhilHealth membership fees on time.

     In support of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goal Number 6 to halt or
     reverse the incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune
     Deficiency Virus (AIDS) by 2015, PhilHealth through Board Resolution No. 1331, series of
     2009 has approved die implementation of an outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment package. This
     benefit aims to increase the proportion of the population having access to effective
     HIV/AIDS treatment and patient education measures.

     A.General Rules

          1.The Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package will be paid through a case
          payment scheme. Annual reimbursement is set at 30,000 pesos per year.

          2.Only confirmed HIV/AIDS cases requiring treatment shall be covered by the package.

          3.Package shall be based on Department of Health (DOH) guidelines on anti-retro viral therapy 

          among adults and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus infection. All
          treatment hubs in accredited facilities are required to follow the guidelines set by the DOH.

     B.Specific Rules

          1.Covered items under this benefit are drugs and medicines, laboratory examinations including Cluster 

          Difference 4 (CD4) level determination test and test for monitoring of anti-retro viral drugs (ARA7) 

          toxicity and professional fees of providers

          2.The package will be released in four (4) quarterly payments; each sub-package is worth 7,500 

          pesos payable to the recognized treatment hub of accredited facilities. A maximum of four (4) 

          treatment sub-packages per year may be claimed by the treatment hub.

          3.Each quarterly claim is covered by the rule on single period of confinement computed from die date 

          of consultation. Any additional claims filed within this same period for the same reason will be denied.

          4.Only die actual quarters wherein services were provided in a year will be reimbursed.

         5.Each quarterly claim shall be charged one (1) day against the 45-day annual limit or a sum of 4 days 

         per year.

         6.In cases of transfer from one treatment hub to another, PhilHealth will still reimburse provided:

               a.The facility that the patient was transferred to is also PhilHealth accredited.

               b.A referral letter from the referring facility to the receiving facility is accomplished.

               c. The Corporation will reimburse the facility prior to the transfer .

3. Baseline tests such as CD4, Viral Load, Blood Chemistry and other tests requested by the doctor are the most crucial tests of all because this will be recorded and will be a basis to your future tests result in order to know the disease progression.

          CD4 (Cluster Difference 4)

          Usually, the CD4 test is used to determine when a person should start treatment.

         

          HIV attacks a type of immune system cell called the T-helper cell. The T-helper cell plays an essential 

          part in the immune system by helping to co-ordinate all the other cells to fight illnesses. HIV damages 

          and destroys T-helper cells; as a result, there are fewer cells available to help the immune system. A 

          major reduction in the number of T-helper cells can have a serious effect on the immune system.

         A CD4 test measures the number of T-helper cells (in a cubic millimetre of blood) which is known as 

         a CD4 count. Someone who is not infected with HIV normally has between 500 and 1200cells/mm³.  

         In a person infected with HIV, the CD4 count often declines over a number of years. HIV drug 

         treatment is generally recommended when the CD4 test shows fewer than 350 cells/mm³. World 

         Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guidelines recommend starting treatment for all patients with CD4 

         counts of less than 350 cells/mm³ in all countries. Although most resource-limited countries aim to 

         follow these guidelines, a number still observe the WHO's 2006 guidelines, which recommend starting 

         treatment at less than 200 cells/mm³. 

        Some countries may have treatment guidelines which differ from WHO recommendations. 

        For example, although USA treatment guidelines state that treatment should be initiated in all patients 

        with a CD4 count less than 350 cells/mm³ they also recommend treatment for patients with a CD4

        count between 350 and 500 cells/mm³.

        If there are complications, such as if the patient has hepatitis B, an AIDS-defining illness or is pregnant, 

        guidelines usually recommend that treatment is started earlier.

        VIRAL LOAD (VL)

        Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in the blood. If the viral load is high, T-helper cells tend to be 

        destroyed more quickly. Therefore, the aim of antiretroviral treatment is to keep the viral load as low 

        as possible.

        In places where it is available, a viral load test is carried out shortly after antiretroviral treatment is 

        started. If the treatment is working effectively, the viral load will drop to the undetectable level – below 

        50 copies/ml. Ideally this will happen within 24 weeks of starting treatment, but for some it can take 

        3 to 6 months. On the other hand, some people never reach undetectable.

        Viral load tests are then carried out every few months. As some viral load tests can produce slightly   

        different results on the same sample of blood, the results are monitored over a period of time.

        FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

4. Plan out your Healthy Lifestyle. Proper Diet, Exercise, 8hours of Sleep, etc. and an Optimistic Outlook in life would really help you to improve your immune system. Also having diversion techniques to avoid Stress and Depression will also help improve your immune System as well.

5.  Look for a SUPPORT GROUP. Weather disclosing to a person whom you can trust, it could be a member of the family or a close friend. It is best if you look for a Support Group for PLHIV nearest to your area. HIV Support Groups are brought up to help us and to provide us the over-all support that we need. 

List of Support Groups

The Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated, better known as PAFPI, is an organization that is devoted into helping those Person Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and their families in coping with their situation involving the HIV/AIDS virus. PAFPI was formed in 1998 by persons living with HIV and AIDS and uninfected persons with a view to empower persons with HIV and AIDS and their families to live a normal, happy and productive life in the mainstream of supported society.
ADDRESS: 2613 to 2615 Dian Street, Malate, Manila
LANDLINE: +63 2-404-2911, 528-4531
FAX: +63 2-567-3506
E-MAIL: positiveactionfoundation@yahoo.com , pactionphil@netscape.net
WEBSITE: www.pafpi.com

 

Pinoy Plus Association is the pioneer organization of PLHIV in the Philippines. It is a support group dedicated to the welfare of PLHIV in the country.
Pinoy Plus as an organized community of positive individuals, answering to the needs of peer HIV positive is the pioneer national organization of Filipinos living with HIV and AIDS in the country. Fighting for the rights of positive individuals. PPA are now in the forefront of further enriching the organization, documenting violations, evaluating access to every available services including all kinds of treatment, care and support. Gone beyond Metro Manila, creating chapters all over the country to address the needs and offer support to individuals in need either directly or indirectly affected by the epidemic. They have learned to teach one another on how to live with HIV and how to fight for their rights.

Babae Plus, the first and only existing support group of women living with HIV in the Philippines was established in 2004. Their vision is to create An Independent Lead Organization of Empowered and Supportive Women Living with HIV/AIDS.
ADDRESS: 2615 Dian Street, Malte, Manila
LANDLINE: +63 2-382-0087
E-MAIL: babaeplus@gmail.com
 

Cavite Support Group

MOBILE#:+63 9159463340 , +63 9498992558

Cebuplus Association, Inc. (CPAI) is a non-profit, non business oriented support group run and organized by concerned individuals in Cebu to help, educate and support the people living with HIV/AIDS(PLHA), their affected families (AF) and significant others (SO).

CPAI envision greater and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV, their affected families and significant others towards improving wellness and quality of life in a supportive environment.
 

CPAI aim to be an independent, sustainable organization that contributes to gender and age responsive, universal access to positive prevention, treatment, care and support through enhanced multi-level, multi-sectored and culturally competent partnership and programs.

CORE VALUES:
S - Service
P - Passion for People
I - Integrity
R - Respect
I - Innovation
T - Teamwork

ADDRESS: Blessed Martha Weicka Sanctuary, Asilo De la Milagrosa, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
LANDLINE: +63 2-583-8905
MOBILE#: +63 9999968485 , +63 9159061924
E-MAIL: cebuplus@gmail.com


United Western Visayas Incorporated (UWVI), is a community-based group (CBG) of people living with HIV based in Iloilo and operating in Panay and Guimaras areas with Ilonggo members across the country. The organization is active in both prevention of HIV and promotion of treatment and care among its members who are HIV positive as well as affected families. It strives to address stigma and discrimination in order to

build confidence among the newly diagnosed to access services at the local treatment hub based in the Western Visayas Medical Center.

The growing number of PLHIV in the region is driven by the large number of OFWs particularly seafarers in the region which host the highest number of Maritime Schools in the country and the flourishing – yet hidden sex industry and trafficking enroute the striving nautical highway as entry and exist points for the tourism super region in the Philippines.

The organization has a rich history since its inception in 2005 during the global fund round 5 project. The strong membership and advocacy of the group has helped the Western Visayas Medical Center to have its own CD4 machine, the first outside Manila and a half-way house based in Santa Barbara in Iloilo

ADDRESS: c/o HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) Office, Western Visayas Medical Cneter, Q. Abeto Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
LANDLINE: +033-321-0552
MOBILE#: +63 9185053555 , +63 9152883761
E-MAIL: united_wvi@yahoo.com

 

Crossbreeds, Inc.

ADDRESS: c/o Department of Internal Medicine,  Corazon Locsin Montelibano memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) Lacson-Burgos Streets, Bacolod City, Province of Negros Occidental
LANDLINE: +63 34-456-2609
MOBILE#: +63 9105389327 , +63 9162731830
E-MAIL: cross.breeds@yahoo.com

 

Vida Vivo Zamboanga 
ADDRESS: Red Cross Compound Petit Barracks, Zamboanga City
LANDLINE: +63 62-992-0642
MOBILE#: +63 9287920796
E-MAIL: viva_vivozam@yahoo.com

Mindanao Advocates

ADDRESS: 557 Kamuning Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City
TELEFAX: +63-082-297-3394
MOBILE#: +63 9089270143
E-MAIL:mindanaoadvocates@gmail.com

If you want to know more about the support groups please do contact me for further info. jakepositive@gmail.com www.facebook.com/jakepositive 09278230300 09323298893

source: http://www.avert.org/antiretroviral.htm


JaKe Positive. BE SAFE! +)

HIV ANONYMOUS ILOILO

WHAT IS THE HIV ANONYMOUS PROGRAM?

HIV Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women that offers support to people living with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. There are no dues or fees for HA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

There are no strings attached to HA. We are not affiliated with any other organizations. We have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious, or law enforcement groups, and are under no surveillance at any time. Anyone may join us regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion.

Our primary purpose is to provide a safe environment where members can share their experience, strength and hope with each other in dealing with the effects that HIV has on their lives. In this fellowship, recovery and healing from the devastating effects of an HIV diagnosis can take place. We believe that no HIV positive person should have to deal with this diagnosis alone, in loneliness and isolation. The new comer is the most important person at any meeting, because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.


WHY ARE WE HERE?

We are not here to change you. We are not here to segregate or impose a particular belief system upon you. However, if you want fellowship with other people who are living in balance and harmony with HIV and AIDS, or maybe you feel remorse that you have transmitted HIV to another person, or if you are concerned that your behavior could spread HIV. If you share these feelings, then HIV Anonymous is for you.

HA is a fellowship, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identity, open to anyone who is affected by HIV. We are a fellowship who meets regularly to help each other deal and cope with the effects of HIV and AIDS on our lives. We are not a group therapy, but a spiritual program that provides a safe environment for working on spiritual, mental and emotional healing from the devastating effects of HIV.

If you want what we have to offer, and are willing to take certain steps, we at HIV Anonymous share a few common goals:

1. We take care of ourselves spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

2. We abstain from high-risk behavior.

3. We accept people as they are and believe that harm reduction is a step in the right direction.

4. We try to carry this message of hope to others.

Our program is one of suggestions -- not of rules. Each member is invited to "take what you like and leave the rest." This means that you are free to use any tools and suggestions from HA that work best for you.

HA is a spiritual program not affiliated with any religious organization. Reference is made in the steps and in meetings to God or a Higher Power. All individuals define this concept for themselves. Many people who speak of a Higher Power simply mean "some power greater than themselves." For example, this power might be the collective experience of the fellowship or meetings. Those of us who came to the program with religious beliefs have found that the twelve steps do not interfere with those beliefs.

There are no requirements for admission to our meetings: anyone who is affected by HIV is welcome.

This Program originated in Manila. I was able to attend one of the HIV Anonymous Program of THE NO DAY BUT TODAY PROJECT by JAKE LOPEZ and I was very interested to bring it here in Iloilo City. This kind of Program would really help our newly diagnosed People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Psychologically, Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically. This Program will have its SOFT LAUNCHING next month (July 2012) and it will be held every Saturday. 

So I am inviting all PLHIV here in Iloilo City, they are very much welcome to join the PROGRAM.

For Questions and Inquiries send me a message @ jakepositive@gmail.com or text me at 09278230300 / 09323298893.

Once Again this is JaKe Positive. BE SAFE! +)