Did you know there is now a daily tablet of anti-retrovirals which if taken by an HIV-negative person, will prevent them from contracting HIV?
Known as Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), this new HIV preventative strategy is now being offered at many City of Cape Town facilities.
It is no coincidence that the City’s Health Department is launching the new strategy during the month of love. February is STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and condom awareness month.
The Mayco member for Community Services and Health Patricia van der Ross says the prevention of STIs is an important global health priority “because of their devastating impact on women and babies and their relationship with HIV”.
STIs often do not cause symptoms initially, leaving an individual unaware of the infection and increases the likelihood of it being passed on to others.
Preventative measures such as condom-use prevents the spread of STIs, and should be used even if a partner claims no symptoms.
Symptoms of an STI may include vaginal discharge, penile discharge, ulcers on or around the genitals, and pelvic pain. Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics leaving the person cured of the infection and therefore unable to pass the infection on to others.
HIV is also an STI and similar to the others, people with the infection may remain asymptomatic for quite some time before becoming unwell. Unlike most other STIs, treatment for HIV does not cure the infection. Those who are HIV positive must take daily medication (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) to remain healthy.
Those with an STI (even if asymptomatic) are at higher risk of contracting HIV, and those who are HIV positive with an STI are more likely to pass the virus on to others. Therefore the treatment of STIs is an important HIV preventative strategy.
There are a number of other strategies to prevent HIV infection; these are always best used in combination:
- Male and female condoms;
- use of lubricants;
- voluntary medical male circumcision;
- HIV testing;
- risk reduction counselling; and
- ART for partners with HIV infection.
PrEP is also recommended to be used in combination with the mentioned preventative strategies.
‘‘If taken correctly, on a daily basis, PrEP is very effective at preventing HIV.
“Your sexual and reproductive health is your responsibility. Visit your nearest clinic with any concerns or questions, and do what is necessary to protect yourself and those you love,” said Van der Ross.
