Consider the Following: How prepared am I to discuss PrEP with my clients?
PrEP
The goal of the Prevent pillar is to increase PrEP coverage by 50%. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, is a medication that can prevent new HIV infection. Currently, PrEP can be taken as a once-daily pill (brand names Descovy® and Truvada®), or as an injection every 8 weeks (brand name Apretude™). More information about each of these medications can be found in the “Further Reading” section below.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is up to 99% effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex. PrEP is at least 74% effective at reducing transmission in people who inject drugs (PWID). Currently, the PrEP injection is not recommended for PWID.
Together, these statistics show a large need for PrEP education and prescriptions in non-White populations, as well as for women.
The CDC suggests 5 strategies to increase PrEP coverage:
Creating telePrEP services and offering PrEP in settings outside of a traditional HIV clinic (e.g. sexual health and STD clinics, substance use clinics) can increase the number of people aware of PrEP.
The more people that are working together, the more likely it is an individual will be linked and retained in care. Following up with clients after linking them to PrEP services is one way to increase retention.
The use of virtual services makes PrEP accessible to people who cannot travel to appointments or do not have a PrEP prescriber near them.
Peer support can help to build trust around PrEP and decrease misinformation or concerns surrounding PrEP and its safety.
Using social media campaigns or other online options helps to bring PrEP into the public’s conscious and decrease stigma surrounding HIV prevention.
Sterile Syringe Programs (SSPs)
Sterile Syringe Programs (SSPs) provide access to sterile needles and syringes, dispose of used equipment, and provide linkages and referrals to other health and social services. According to the CDC, SSPs can reduce transmission through injection drug use by roughly 50%. New SSP users are 5 times more likely to start substance use treatment, and 3 times more likely to stop using substances. Sterile Syringe Programs are not legal in all states.
To increase the availability and use of SSPs, the CDC suggests:
It is important to provide high-quality, comprehensive harm reduction services, so ensuring that all equipment distributed is safe and providing linkages to other harm reduction services is essential.
Where SSPs are permitted by law, work with federal agencies and community organizations to implement SSPs in the most efficient and effective way.
Where SSPs are established, increase the amount of services provided. This can include STI testing, hepatitis C testing, linkage to substance use treatment, and vaccinations.
Check your knowledge:
✓ What is PrEP?
✓ How effective is PrEP for different transmission categories?
✓ How effective are SSPs?
- PrEP
- Sterile Syringe Programs