Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP as it is referred to, is a pill that can reduce the risk of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in persons who are HIV negative. The daily pill, under the Truvada brand, can result in 90 to 98 per cent protection against the disease and caters mainly for those whose partners are HIV positive.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pre-exposure prophylaxis is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. A combination of two HIV medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) is approved for daily use as PrEP to help prevent a HIV-negative person from getting HIV from a sexual or injection-drug-using partner who is positive. Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV if it is used as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken consistently.
When taken every day, PrEP is safe and highly effective in preventing HIV infection.
Recently, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) advocacy organisation SASOD conducted a study on the drug and produced a report, which was submitted to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat as well as the Public Health Ministry in a move to advocate for the introduction of PrEP. The study included 47 persons from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) targeted the level of knowledge, attitudes and delivery preferences in relation to PrEP.
SASOD is considered a pioneer in the fight for human rights especially those of the LGBT communities. According to SASOD, during the study, it was revealed that while a majority of the respondents were interested in the benefits of the pill, they were concerned about the costs attached and the HIV stigma that follows when seeking information about PrEP.
However, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud has since indicated that Government is cautious about introducing PrEP, since it may increase risky behaviour.
The advocates for PrEP say the drug is timely and its introduction could be a game changer in Guyanese society. (Times Sunday Magazine)
