Open AccessPre‐exposure prophylaxis in Southern Africa: feasible or not?
Author(s) -
Venter Willem Daniel François,
Cowan Frances,
Black Vivian,
Rebe Kevin,
Bekker LindaGail
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the international aids society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.724
H-Index - 62
ISSN - 1758-2652
DOI - 10.7448/ias.18.4.19979
Subject(s) - medicine , pre exposure prophylaxis , psychological intervention , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , intervention (counseling) , public health , environmental health , distribution (mathematics) , family medicine , nursing , mathematical analysis , mathematics , syphilis , men who have sex with men
Southern and Eastern Africa bear the brunt of the AIDS epidemic, and current prevention interventions remain inadequate. Antiretroviral‐based pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is gaining momentum as an effective prevention intervention. Discussion Discussions have been started on how this strategy could be employed in Africa such that the populations most in need can be reached urgently for the greatest impact. This requires the selection of specific risk groups and service environments in which PrEP can be distributed safely and cost effectively while being mindful of any ethical issues. Conclusions Given the need for an integrated public health approach to this, a number of potential populations and opportunities for PrEP distribution exist and are discussed in this commentary.