By Alex Ababio
The Ashanti Regional Minister , Mr Simon Osei Mensah has encouraged Ghanaians to go for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.
PrEP is a prevention method used by people who are HIV-negative and at high risk for being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing an infection.
PEP refers to the use of antiretroviral drugs for people who are HIV-negative after a single high-risk exposure to stop HIV infection. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective – always within 72 hours of a possible exposure – and continued for 4 weeks
PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.
Mr Simon Osei Mensah made this statement when he was addressing a gathering at this years Farmers Day celebration at Jubilee park in Kumasi. He used the farmers day celebration to create awareness about HIV/AIDS Day which was observed a day earlier.
This years World AIDS Day was observed under the theme : “Achieving Equity to End HIV”
Mr Simon Osei Mensah reiterated that ” the world is living in the era of HIV treatment , stating that hopefully very soon we will enter into an era of HIV cure .
” I’m reliably inform that
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are being rolled out and it is , therefore, important that every Ghanaian should get tested to know their HIV status.” ,he noted
He stressed that there is effective package of services available , indicating they should avail themselves to ensure that they embrace the services for HIV testing .
Mr Simon Osei Mensah admonished Ghanaians to refrain from stigmatising against people living with HIV ,but rather show solidarity for the affected people .