- Personnel from the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)-HIV Timely Testing Program also regularly visit more than 80 rehabilitation centers in Tijuana, Tecate and Playas de Rosarito
Tijuana.- As part of an initiative to identify and treat patients with hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and syphilis in a timely manner, the Baja California Department of Health provides rapid testing to the community at health centers and general hospitals in the coastal region. .
HIV-AIDS project coordinator Norma Olmeda explained that if patients are HIV-AIDS positive, they are immediately referred to CAPASITS or the appropriate general hospital to start free treatment.
In cases of syphilis, even in pregnant women, health centers can provide immediate treatment, while for hepatitis C, refer to CAPASITS as well as general hospitals.
It’s also worth noting that, in addition, the program’s staff conducts regular preventive meetings and schedules at more than 80 rehabilitation centers to detect these conditions in time.
Where hepatitis C is detected, they tend to relapse in rehab because they are mostly injecting drug users, one of the most common modes of transmission.
These individuals can find and receive treatment with assurance that they follow their doctor’s instructions and recover fully with positive outcomes within about three months.
The rapid test is as simple as taking a small blood sample from a finger and giving results within minutes. When a positive case is detected, a second most complete test will be performed and treatment will begin.
Patients are also given a comprehensive explanation of the disease and its treatment, and counseling is provided to ensure they complete treatment until full recovery.