PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is defined by WHO as the use of medication (antiretroviral) before HIV exposure by people who are not infected with HIV in order to block or prevent the acquisition of HIV.
What does the name PrEP mean?
“Pre” is something that you do before a risk of “exposure” (HIV in this case) and “Prophylaxis” can be explained as a treatment or an action that can be taken to prevent a disease.
Who needs PrEP?
Anyone who is sexually active, HIV negative and is at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.
PrEP & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
PrEP only protects you against HIV. You need to take other precautions, such as condoms, to reduce contracting other sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis.
PrEP should always be taken as an additional prevention strategy and in combination with the correct and consistent use of condoms.
How effective is PrEP?
PrEP is very effective for preventing HIV.
It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.
For persons who inject drugs, it reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken as prescribed.
See your health provider at the nearest clinic for more information on PrEP.