A new study published in The Lancet HIV has confirmed that the HIV preventive drug, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), is 99% effective. The study, known as the PrEP Impact Trial, was conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in collaboration with the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This groundbreaking research, which involved 24,000 participants across England, provides real-world evidence of PrEP’s effectiveness as a preventative treatment.
The study’s findings bring reassuring news to the thousands of people already taking PrEP in England. Terrence Higgins Trust, an HIV charity network, welcomed the confirmation and emphasized the need for easier access to the drug, particularly among minority groups and women who may not be aware of its existence. The UKHSA stated that this study is the largest real-world study of its kind, conducted at 157 sexual health clinics in England between October 2017 and July 2020.
According to the study, the use of PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection by approximately 86% in real-world scenarios, even accounting for inconsistent or incorrect usage. Clinical trials had previously suggested that the medication could be up to 99% effective. These results highlight the importance of expanding access to PrEP and increasing awareness of its benefits.
While this study specifically focused on the effectiveness of PrEP in England, it is worth mentioning that the drug is also available in other countries, including Kenya. The Kenyan Ministry of Health provides PrEP for free, with a minimal charge for delivery services. National guidelines stipulate that individuals eligible for PrEP are those who are HIV-negative and report having multiple sex partners, partners of unknown HIV status, or recent sexually transmitted infections.
Introduced in 2016, PrEP has become a valuable tool in preventing HIV transmission. By using antiretroviral drugs, it offers protection to HIV-negative individuals before potential exposure to the virus. Kenya was the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to fully approve this method, marking a significant step forward in the fight against HIV.
In conclusion, the PrEP Impact Trial’s findings solidify the HIV preventive drug’s efficacy, cementing its status as a highly effective tool in the fight against HIV transmission. The study’s results emphasize the need for increased accessibility and awareness of PrEP to further combat the spread of HIV, particularly among marginalized groups. As more countries embrace this preventive measure, we can hope for a future with reduced HIV transmission rates and improved overall public health.
