Friday 4 October 2019

BHIVA is joining the HIV community in again calling for universal availability of the HIV prevention medication, Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), in England. Despite access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and condoms, a significant number of people eligible for PrEP have become HIV positive while waiting for a place on the IMPACT Trial; at least 15 cases have been recorded by BHIVA members across the country despite a welcome increase in the number of places available on the trial in February 2019. However, sexual health service funding cuts can create delays and waiting lists, with additional pressure when recruitment resumes.

BHIVA spokesperson BHIVA Chair Laura Waters comments:

"PrEP is highly effective and will be instrumental in helping to achieve the government's target of zero HIV transmissions by 2030 and should be freely available in England as it is in Wales and Scotland. Although condoms and PEP are effective people are continuing to acquire HIV while waiting for PrEP. We have a responsibility to ensure people at risk of HIV are aware of, and have access to, all HIV prevention tools, including PrEP."

For further information: please contact Jo Josh on +44 (0) 7787 530 922 or [email protected]

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