IAS news: Not enough awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV
Not enough is being done to raise awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis as a means of preventing HIV infection after sexual assault, writes Edwin Bernard from Sydney.
The first study, from Kenya, found that while nearly everyone who was eligible for PEP began it, they were much more likely to successfully complete the full course if given relevant counselling. The second, from Thailand, found that PEP was cost-effective. Both concluded that much more needed to be done regarding public – and police – awareness for timely access to PEP.
In a similar programme in Bangkok, Thailand, survivors of sexual assault are offered testing for HIV (with a three-month follow-up test) and other STIs, counselling, and PEP if less than 72 hours have elapsed since the assault.
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