Dominican Officials Address HIV Misinformation and Confirm Healthcare Stability

President Abinader and Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah have denied claims of a rise in HIV cases in the Dominican Republic, asserting that the situation is under control with proper patient monitoring and treatment in place. They highlighted the comprehensive healthcare strategy that facilitates free treatment and advanced diagnostics. Conavihsida confirmed only a 45% increase in new cases in La Altagracia, counteracting false rumors.

In response to recent misinformation, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah publicly addressed the claims regarding a surge in HIV and AIDS cases within the Dominican Republic. During a press conference held in New York, they firmly stated that the situation regarding HIV in the nation is stable and well-managed. Patients are receiving adequate monitoring and treatment as per the established healthcare protocols. Minister Atallah elaborated on the comprehensive healthcare strategy implemented by the Dominican Republic, which encompasses thorough diagnosis, continuous follow-up, and free treatment for individuals diagnosed with HIV. He underscored the utilization of state-of-the-art diagnostic methodologies aimed at monitoring treatment efficacy and identifying any resistance to therapies, ensuring that patients receive the most effective care available. Furthermore, the National Council for HIV and AIDS (Conavihsida) refuted the allegations of a supposed increase in HIV cases in the La Altagracia province. Technical Manager Melvin Brioso pointed out that the accurate data indicates that new HIV-positive cases in the province represent only a 45% increase, which is significantly less than the rumors suggest. He highlighted the advancements made possible by the establishment of over 80 comprehensive care centers throughout the country, which facilitate access to necessary services and treatments. Brioso emphasized that being diagnosed as HIV positive is no longer synonymous with a death sentence due to the significant progress in treatment options and medical care.

The Dominican Republic has developed extensive healthcare services for the management of HIV and AIDS, aiming to dispel inaccuracies regarding the prevalence of the disease. This includes advanced diagnostic techniques and a system of free treatment to support patients. Despite the challenges surrounding public health communication and the potential for misinformation, the government and relevant health authorities are committed to ensuring that accurate information about HIV is available to the public. As such, the remarks by President Abinader and Minister Atallah are an attempt to clarify the current health landscape regarding HIV.

In conclusion, the Dominican government maintains that recent claims about a rise in HIV cases are unfounded and emphasizes that effective measures are in place to care for those affected by the virus. Both President Abinader and Minister Atallah advocate for awareness based on factual data, rejecting false claims and reinforcing the ongoing commitment to public health advancements in HIV management and treatment.

Original Source: dominicantoday.com