PrEP: ARVs for the uninfected

Do you think that anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) are only for those who have been infected by the HIV virus? Think again.


According to the Herald, government plans to adopt World Health Organisation guidelines by rolling out ARVs as a preventative measure for people who are at high risk of contracting HIV. This is known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.


People who are at high risk include sex workers and HIV-negative people who are in long term-relationships with someone who is HIV positive. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that PrEP will go a long way in curbing new HIV infections.


PrEP is taken seven days before anticipated infection (or before engaging in a potentially risky activity) and should be continued for 28 days after. People who are constantly at risk, like sex workers or people in a relationships with someone who is HIV positive, will have to take the drugs for life.


The drug can - and should - be used in combination with other methods of HIV prevention and contraception such as the use of condoms and femidoms.



Remember to use a condom or a femidom every time you have sex. They are the only contraceptive method that prevent BOTH pregnancy and HIV or STI infections.


Do you think PrEP will halt the spread of new infections?