Health advocates urge testing and prevention during HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and December 1st marks World AIDS Day, a time to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and show support for people living with HIV.
Dr Louie Gangcuangco, HIV Specialist and Primary Care Physician at Waikiki Health, joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about using education to combat stigma and described some of the treatments that help HIV patients stay healthy and testing and medications that prevent the spread of the disease.
“HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. It is primarily sexually transmitted,” Dr. Gangcuangco explained. “There is no cure for HIV but can be easily treated if detected early. At first, people with HIV can have no symptoms and they can transfer it unknowingly to their sexual partners. This is why safer sex practices are very important, such as using condoms.”
He advises at-risk people to consider HIV PrEP, an antiviral medication that can be taken by a person without HIV to prevent contracting it in the event of exposure. PrEP comes as a daily pill or can be injected in the buttocks every 2 months.
HIV testing, treatment, and PrEP are offered at Waikiki Health and other healthcare providers. Everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay.
For more resources, visit the state DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch.
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