This May we are observing the AIDS Candlelight Memorial with the theme “Keeping the Light, Honoring Our Rights, Radiating Pride”- celebrated every 3rd Sunday of May since 1983 to remember those who died due to AIDS-related illnesses and to support people living with HIV (PLHIV) and to spread awareness on the importance of HIV prevention, treatment and support.

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that can affect the body's "immune system," which is responsible for fighting infections. When a person has an untreated HIV infection, they can become sick easily. That's because their immune system cannot work as well to fight off infections or cancer. But people with HIV can take medicines to control the virus, keep their immune system strong, and stay healthy for many years. AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the term doctors use to describe the stage of HIV infection when the immune system is at its weakest.

 As of March 2022, there were 1,539 confirmed HIV-positive individuals reported to the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP). This was a 48% increase compared to the past year. Twenty-seven percent (27 %) of the cases were from the National Capital Region (NCR) while the other top five are Regions 4A, 3, 6, and 7 which together account for 70% of the total cases.

How is it transmitted?

              People can get infected with HIV if blood or body fluid from a person with HIV enters their body. Body fluids include semen and vaginal fluids. For example, a person can get HIV if they:

• Have sex without using a condom with someone who has HIV – This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Share needles or syringes with someone who has HIV

About 98 % of the cases are transmitted through sexual contact where 65 % are through male to male sex, 24% are through males who have sex with both males and females, and 11% are through male to female sex. A smaller percentage of 1 % are due to sharing of infected needles and less than 1 % were acquired by children through mother-to-child transmission. The age of reported cases ranged from 16 to 38 years old.

 HIV-AIDS can be prevented and treated

              HIV Transmission can be prevented through the use of condoms and not sharing needles or injections. If an individual is at high risk for having HIV such as having more than 1-lifetime sexual partner - HIV testing can help detect early infection and prevent transmission. There are private organizations that provide free and anonymous HIV testing such as the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Philippines. More testing and treatment hubs are available from the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines. They also provide free HIV treatments such as antiretroviral medicines that keep HIV infection controlled in most people and prevent progression to severe AIDS. This can dramatically improve the quality of life and prolong the lifespan as compared before - thus early treatment and social support is key for successful HIV prevention and treatment.

Nutrition Tips for Management of HIV infected persons

If you are HIV-positive, good nutrition can have several benefits. Good nutrition can help improve your overall quality of life by providing nutrients your body needs and keeping your immune system stronger so you can better fight infections. It is also helpful in managing HIV symptoms and complications as well as processing medications to help manage side effects. The following are some simple eating habits that can be helpful in managing symptoms and avoiding complications:

• Maintain a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes
• Choose lean, low-fat sources of protein
• Limit sweets, soft drinks, and foods with added sugar
• Including proteins, carbohydrates, and a little good fat in all meals and snacks

/AET

References:

Department of Health  (2022). HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1At6Bofye6UYcaELTIm8oJNa09F6BRM5p?fbclid=IwAR1Gy7YGXJVM-0wpIMtJFQlcAWK-z78AxGRoIkDLAixfK53wR_tfq1bv-PA

UpToDate (2022). Patient education: HIV/AIDS (The Basics). Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-aids-the-basics?search=hiv%20patient%20education%20&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=4

https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/nutrition-hiv-aids-enhancing-quality-life