PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Pre, because it’s taken before you come into contact with HIV to prevent infection. It mustn’t be confused with PEP, which is a pill taken after possibly coming into contact with HIV.

If you are negative and living a high-risk life, PrEP can give you more than 90% protection against HIV.

• Easy to use (one pill a day), and discreet.
• Safe to use during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
• Safe to use by women taking contraceptives.
• Allows you to be in control of your sexual health.
• It’s FREE!

PrEP is for HIV negative people who are at high-risk of getting HIV. If you are wondering if you are at High Risk, ask yourself:

• Do you have sex without a condom with more than one partner?
• Do you have sex without a condom with a partner who has multiple sexual partners?
• Have you had sex with someone who is at high risk of infection?
• Have you had sex with a partner who is HIV-positive and not on effective ARV treatment?
• Have you had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
• Do you share drug injection gear (e.g. needles and syringes)?

If you think PrEP may be for you, you need to visit a healthcare centre. Your visit is confidential, so be open! After all, there is nothing they haven’t heard before. Remember, sex is normal and being honest about your sex life will help the healthcare worker to assess your HIV risk and advise on the best form of protection for you. The healthcare worker is there to help you, trust them enough to do that.

• The first step is to have an HIV test.
• If you test negative for HIV, you could possibly receive a supply of PrEP right there and then.
• You will have to undergo further tests to assess your liver and kidney functions, to safely take the medication.
• If you test positive for HIV, you will be referred for Antiretroviral Treatment (ART).

Thanks to the Ministry of Health and its partners, PrEP is available at a growing number of clinics and health centres and sites all over the country. PrEP is completely FREE at government clinics and health centres.

PrEP medicine takes time to build up in your body and start working. This will be a minimum of seven days for men and 21 days for women to get full protection. Even after PrEP has built up in your body, you must continue to take it every day to make sure that it protects you effectively. You should also use other HIV prevention methods with PrEP for even better protection.

Consider combining PrEP with:

• Condoms (to protect against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies).
• Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC).
• Treatment for STIs.
• ART (for HIV-positive sexual partners).

Starting PrEP does not mean that you will need to take PrEP for the rest of your life. Your risk of HIV infection will vary as your lifestyle and relationships change. If you are no longer at risk of HIV infection, talk to your healthcare worker about stopping PrEP. It is recommended that you continue to take PrEP for 28 days after your last possible HIV exposure.