A new drug Pre- exposure Prophylaxis, popularly known as Prep to be taken by people who are likely exposed to contracting HIV/Aids will be launched by the government in the next one month. The drug is said to be 96% effective in preventing new infections.
National Aids Programme Chief Martin Sirengo told the Star that Prep is not a vaccine but it’s loaded in to one’s blood system to protect an individual from contracting the disease.
“One thing that people must know is that Prep is not a vaccine. Prep is where you load a drug in to your system to prevent you from contracting an infection.
HIV Testing and Prep Manager at NASCOP Sarah Musyoki, in a press conference in Nairobi said that Prep is a descriptive drug and one needs to take the pills for at least one week.
“Even after taking the medicine for seven days, it is advisable to go back to your health care provider to assess the risk and advise whether treatment should continue,” Musyoki said.
Those eligible to take Prep include: individuals who do not use condoms, those who frequently contract STIs, those who have multiple sexual partners, drug users who share syringes and those who frequently use Post- exposure Prophylaxis.