Campaigners push for greater access to preventative drug PrEP

Campaigners are calling for wider access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a drug that prevents HIV infection. While PrEP is highly effective, barriers to access remain, including cost, awareness, and healthcare access.

Currently, PrEP is available through sexual health clinics and some GPs in the UK. However,advocates argue that it should be more readily available through pharmacies and online services,similar to the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception.

“PrEP is a game-changer in the fight against HIV, but it’s not reaching everyone who could benefit from it,” says a spokesperson for the Terrence Higgins Trust.”We need to remove the barriers that prevent people from accessing this life-saving medication.”

Concerns have been raised about the disproportionate impact of limited access on certain communities, particularly young gay and bisexual men and Black African communities, who are disproportionately affected by HIV.

recent data shows a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the UK, highlighting the need for increased investment in sexual health services and preventative measures like PrEP. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sexually-transmitted-infections-sti-surveillance-report-2022

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) supports increased access to PrEP and is advocating for policy changes to make it easier for people to obtain the medication. https://www.bashh.org/

The NHS is currently piloting different models of PrEP delivery,including online services,to assess their feasibility and effectiveness.The results of these pilots are expected to inform future policy decisions. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-prevention/prep/