Medication for free
Separately, dr. Rudi Wisaksana, Sp.PD-KTI, Ph.D., dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung Central General Hospital’s internal disease specialist, reiterates the importance of HIV testing, especially among high-risk groups, as an effort to prevent the spread of the disease. “In advanced countries, cases of HIV transmission from mother to baby are almost gone. In our country, it is still prevalent. Don’t be afraid to take the test, because even if you are tested positive, we are providing medication for it for free. By knowing their status, routinely medicating, and remaining in doctor’s monitoring, even people who are proven positive for HIV can have children and not infect their wives and babies,” dr. Rudi declared in the “HIV Testing? Bring it On!” live IG session held on Monday (28/11/2022).
An HIV-positive person can infect others through their bodily fluids (blood, sperm, vaginal fluid, tears, and mother’s milk) within a window period of 7-10 years, even if they show no symptoms of the disease themselves. “Initial testing can be performed using an oral mucous swab, like they do in Covid-19 testing. If the test pack reacts, get the blood tested to confirm. Mucus testing is not specific, but it is sensitive enough to discover whether we suffer a risk for the disease or not. Don’t be afraid of getting tested, because your health worker will counsel you. Patients can get access to free HIV medication for life, which means they can remain productive until the end. Once registered, you will only need to show your ID card to the relevant dispensary, and you will get the medication for free, even though you moved residences across Indonesia,” dr. Rudi said. (est)