“PRE-EXPOSURE prophylaxis (PrEP) is for everyone — men, women, and all the gender identities in the spectrum, but especially those who are at risk or have possible exposure to HIV,” stressed Dr. Jimmy Doromal Jr., PrEP doctor for Panay region at the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) – Iloilo Office.
The statement dispels the notion that only gay men need PrEP.
Although in Iloilo, 98% of beneficiaries of free PrEP medications last year were MSM (or men having sex with men) according to Patrick Ivan ‘Shintaro’ Sa-ato, FPOP pharmacist, who also doubles as HIV case manager & PrEP counselor.
Updated figures until May 2023 show 80% are MSM and 20% are heterosexual or cisgender males and females, according to Charles Arvin Gorriceta, PrEP case manager.
Taken regularly, PrEP prevents HIV infection in an HIV-negative person.
In partnership with The Global Fund, Center for Health and Development, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., and LoveYourself Foundation Inc., the HIV Treatment & Prevention program of FPOP and RAJAH Community Center in Iloilo City provides free testing and medications.
In July 2015, I became an online advocate for HIV screening in the United States. This year, I want to expand my advocacy to include promoting PrEP in Western Visayas.
PrEP enrollment is easy. I tested negative for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on June 6, and was promptly enrolled in the PrEP program on the same day.
The key is mustering the guts to get tested, and being open to counseling and education about risky behaviors and safer sex./PN
