A sample of PrEP drugs. Kiambu residents have been asked to embrace PrEP drugs. [Photo/Daily Maverick]With only 30 discordant couples and six sex workers enrolled for free HIV prevention drugs in Kiambu sub-county, there is a need for more residents to visit VCTs to know their status.Dr Gideon Muthoka, a linkage officer at Kiambu Level 4 hospital has said very few residents have visited the hospital to benefit from the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)."The drug was introduced due to the high rate of infidelity among married couples but very few people have sought the free service.The drug does not interfere with other drugs that a person might be taking while still using it and, therefore, could be used at any time by anyone," Muthoka said at the hospital on Tuesday during a sensitization workshop at the facility.He noted that for the PrEP drug to be effective it must be taken seven days before intimacy to be sufficiently circulated in the body to work effectively.Dr.Muthoka said the drugs side effects were minimal especially when one is a beginner and the users are advised to take it after meals since it is strong.He said the drug was only meant to prevent the spread of HIV but not sexually transmitted diseases and users should use condoms to prevent infections.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know