The impact of covid-19 on HIV/AIDS related services

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) being an infectious disease greatly affected the world’s population. It is without any iota of doubt that the society as a whole is learning to live with the illness while observing the measures imposed by the World Health Organization. In this light we met Dr Tebaya Richard a medical practitioner working at the Yaoundé Central Hospital Emergency unit-center which received COVID patients and he tells us more on the impact of the disease on HIV/AIDS related services and the patients themselves.

How has Covid-19 affected services related to HIV/AIDS?

Covid-19 is one illness that is most dreaded by HIV/AIDS patients for they believe to be one of the most vulnerable class in this period compared to other patients.From my personal experiences, I have observed some of them think that it is clear that given their immune deficiency if they are not careful they may die faster once they contract the disease.Others even stayed home and did not honor their hospital appointment for fear of the disease and you can imagine the consequence of that act.

At the level of the hospital, we are very strict on the wearing of face masks by all patients, most especially HIV patients when they come for their doctor's appointment they observe a distance of one meter each including their sitting positions. The hospital has made available hand washing kits at every entrance as well.

Services related to HIV remained unchanged truly the pandemic in itself is already very scary and so there is no need for another fright.

The hospital had to be restructured to make space for the Covid-19 patients as such there was no space for any traffic or large crowds.

What are some of the measures patients take at the level of hospitals with regards to their follow-up?

Antiretroviral drugs are given to patients free of charge with scheduled appointments and fixed dates when they can show up at the hospital for this.

The pharmacy of the hospital is in charge of organizing appointments for all patients so they know how to go about it.

Why is the infection rate always higher in women than in men?

The woman is more biologically susceptible than the man given her physical features .The man and woman are different. The woman is able to keep the virus in her more than the man.

Is It Possible To Have A List Of Centers Where Someone Can Take An HIV Test For Free In Cameroon?

The HIV/AIDS test is done everywhere be it in the public like the private clinics. It is free of charge in all health facilities be it the General hospitals, Central hospitals and even other state owned health organs or representations. Screening campaigns are often organized in partnership with the Ministry of health where medical agents are sent to carrefours to organize free screening of individuals. Thanks to the celebration of World Aids Day and throughout this month many activities will be organized around it amongst which is screening and education of the sickness.