Keetmanshoop lectured on PrEP
Dalene Kooper KEETMANSHOOP – Staff from the Ministry of Health and Social Services held an information session on Monday to update the community on the new injectable PrEP option. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication used by HIV-negative people to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. Members of the Keetmanshoop community attended the session in... The post Keetmanshoop lectured on PrEP appeared first on New Era .
KEETMANSHOOP – Staff from the Ministry of Health and Social Services held an information session on Monday to update the community on the new injectable PrEP option.
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication used by HIV-negative people to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
Members of the Keetmanshoop community attended the session in large numbers to learn about new and improved HIV prevention injections and tablets at the Keetmanshoop multipurpose youth centre.
Registered nurse Abel Inane conducted the information session.
He told residents that young people are in the most sexually active age group locally and need access to available HIV prevention methods.
“The youth nowadays are the ones who are sexually active. So, for them to be on the safe side, it’s better to be provided with information rather than finding themselves having the virus,” Inane said.
During the session, Inane explained who can receive the injection and the side effects that users should watch for.
The new PrEP injection is provided only to people aged 16 and older.
Like other medication, it may cause side effects. “All medication has side effects. There are persistent ones where one might need medical attention and minor effects that mostly occur seven to 14 days after the intake of medication,” the nurse shared.
The minor side effects include headache, nausea and exhaustion. The major effects that might require urgent medical attention include slower-than-usual urination or excretion, as well as vomiting.
Inane noted that the community has shown a positive attitude towards the new jab.
“Surprisingly, people have been very kind and attentive to the information we are providing. I have good faith that they will learn a lot and spread the message to others in the community. My team will also try to provide the information to more people, either at the hospital or through community-based outreach, as much as we can,” Inane said. Keetmanshoop resident Doreen Basson praised the information session as fruitful.
She said the injection is a good and easier method of preventing the spread of HIV.
“The session was fruitful. We had the privilege of learning about PrEP firsthand so that we can educate others and clarify myths surrounding HIV medication,” Basson said. -dkooper@nepc.com.na
