Imagine living in a world where the fight against HIV &AIDS is simpler or less burdensome than it is currently. With the difficulties experienced in the fight against the scourge, this is now getting closer to reality.
Late last year, two key events happened almost simultaneously as the world was warming up to commemorate World Aids Day. To begin with, MYDAWA was announcing a grant of $1.2 million from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). This grant is meant to increase delivery of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) countrywide. At the same time, The United States Food and Drug Administration was announcing its approval of the world’s first long-acting injectable medication (PrEP) that is effective for a longer period than the pill.
These two events are significant in the way PrEP is administered and delivered. They show the direction the world’s investments are being made as far as HIV&AIDS is concerned.
The big question is, why is the world investing a lot of resources into this kind of prevention and how important and effective is PrEP?
What is PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis commonly known as PrEP is a course of HIV drugs taken by HIV-negative people to protect them against HIV infection.
PrEP is different from PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis), which is an emergency treatment for HIV taken after possible exposure to the virus.
How does PrEP work?
According to research, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. According to Avert, this drug stops the virus from multiplying in your body once you come into contact with the virus. If you have been taking PrEP correctly as prescribed by the doctor there will be enough levels of the drug to prevent you from getting HIV. According to MayoClinic, PrEP is less effective when it isn’t taken daily. This may be because there isn’t enough medicine in your body to block HIV from taking hold and spreading.
How available is the drug?
Access to PrEP is not as wide as expected and that is why the signing of the agreement between MYDAWA and BMGF for example is a game-changer. This will increase access to the drug to all deserving categories of people.
Across the globe, especially in Africa and other developing worlds, PrEP is not easily available mostly due to financing issues. This gap has been noted by concerned parties and more investment is being done to ensure the accessibility of PrEP.
PrEP side effects
This drug doesn’t have adverse side effects but some of the known side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Nausea and dizziness
- On very rare occasions, PrEP can affect kidney functions.
In conclusion, it is good to note that PrEP is only available by prescription. The prescription is provided by a licensed health care provider. In addition, if you take PrEP, you’ll need to see your health care provider every 3 months for repeat HIV tests, prescription refills, and follow-up
It is also recommended that you speak to your doctor to determine whether PrEP is the right prevention strategy for you.
Remember, to know your HIV status, you can order self test kit through MYDAWA and can be delivered at your doorstep. Your delivery will be done in 4 to 6 hours within Nairobi.
Your order is delivered discreetly at your convenience and in generic packaging. You don’t have to worry about your privacy. We have a team of customer service professionals available seven days a week from 8 am to 10 pm to help you with your orders. Give us a call on 020 521 99 99 or send us a WhatsApp message on 0721 301 448
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