Have you tried PrEP? One pill a day helps to keep HIV away

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and is making headways in Guyana.

This preventive approach involves the use of antiretroviral medications by individuals at high risk of contracting the virus, reducing the chances of infection.

THE HIV/AIDS LANDSCAPE IN GUYANA

Guyana, like many other countries, has faced challenges in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has confirmed that there are approximately 9,000 persons who are confirmed HIV positive. In 2023, the Ministry confirmed 238 new cases.

PREP AS A PREVENTIVE TOOL

PrEP has proven to be a game-changer in the global effort to reduce new HIV infections.

The medication used for PrEP is usually a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. This helps to block the virus from establishing a permanent infection in the body.

When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HIV transmission.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PREP IN GUYANA

Recently, Guyana started to place much emphasis on PrEP as part of the country’s comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.

“In the context of HIV, it is really preventing the infection from happening, even before you get the exposure to HIV, you can actually prevent it. That is what the essence of PrEP is,” Dr. Anthony shared.

He added, “It is a way of preventing HIV infection, so once you are deemed eligible, once you have risk, we would be able to interview you to determine if you are eligible for this type of treatment, and we would initiate the treatment. The treatment is very simple: you take a tablet a day, and on the first day when you initiate it, you are given a tablet for a month, and thereafter once you are monitored, and once everything is okay, you are given 90 days.”

One of the key challenges in implementing PrEP in Guyana has been overcoming societal stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Misconceptions and fear often surround the virus, leading to discrimination and hesitancy in seeking preventive measures.

ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY

You can contact your health provider about PrEP, or you can contact your local health facilities. You can also contact the National AIDS Programme Secretariat – NAPS on telephone number: +592 223-7138.