Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis & HIV Prevention: More harm than good?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is a type of drug used before exposure to the virus, somewhat like a preemptive measure against HIV transmission. The purpose a PrEP drug is to prevent the infection, rather than treat the symptoms or cure AIDS.

In July 2012, the US FDA approved the PrEP drug Truvada to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection.

Debates have since sprung up on the effectiveness of prescribing what amounts to a chemotherapeutic drug to perfectly healthy people. Truvada works if taken every day. For a lifetime. Could such a "miracle drug" truly work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS?

Let's look at the arguments.

The goal of PrEP drug is to reduce the risk of HIV infection amongst those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviour, such as sex workers and those who engage in activities with sex workers. While using a condom should always be the first line of defense, many wonder if such "carefree" and "reckless" individuals will be disciplined enough to take the drug daily.

Truvada itself is a costly drug, estimated at $13K per annum. While this seems to be a perfectly fair price to pay for the wealthy, questions remains on coverage by medical policies, as well as subsidies by the local governments. Such a drug would quickly cripple the funds of developing nations, which are countries with some of the highest HIV prevalence. There are fear that other medical causes, such as TB and malaria, will be affected.

On the other side of the debate, to prescribe such preventive medication to perfectly healthy people is not uncommon. Think of the vaccinations for flu, chicken pox and hepatitis B. These drugs saved lives in the millions. Why should Truvada be treated any differently?

As responsible HIV advocates, we must be vigilant in our examinations of the facts and to balance both side of the scale. Such a prevention strategy needs to be evaluated careful. Don't jump in blindly.

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The Importance of Sex Education to End HIV and AIDS

Sex education was once considered "taboo." HIV advocates have been fighting to make sex education one of the more important weapons in ending HIV and AIDS.

Sex education is important for people who are at high risk. This definition changes over time and in different geographical regions. By providing information about safe sex and access to health and legal facilities, those at risk can make better decisions on how they can actively restrain the spread of HIV and AIDS in their community.


It’s also important for those living with HIV to know how to live a positive life without passing on the virus to anyone else. Sex education allows them to learn how to protect themselves from being infected with a different strain of the virus and how to live a better, more productive life with information on health and legal support.
Sex education is also crucial for young people, especially those who are considered at risk. Many policies around the globe and social norms make it difficult for youth to learn how to practice safe sex, causing the risk of contracting HIV and other STIs to increase.

Of no lesser importance would be sex education for those people not considered "at risk", such as the elderly. In fact, increasing sex education amongst the general population will help raise awareness and confront stigma and discrimination head on.

Sex education makes it possible to end HIV and AIDS within our lifetime. One great example is how the once-booming South African coffin-making business (which served as a HIV spread benchmark) is now declining with the investment in sex education and life-saving treatments.

Knowledge is power, and with greater power comes greater responsibility to connect, vocalise and emphasise. Save lives by speaking out. What sex education resources do you know and love? Let us know in a comment or tweet!

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HIV Advocates Reminds You of the Importance of Getting Tested

Have you been tested for HIV? If your first reaction to that question was fear, you aren't alone. It's the universal reaction to getting tested for HIV. The good news is that this fear can be managed. How? With the large community of supportive HIV advocates that Advocacy 2.0 provides at your side. HIV testing can be a daunting thing, but being tested is the most important step in our battle to end HIV and AIDS.
 
Knowing your HIV status empowers you to do the right thing not only for yourself, but also the people around you. Making the unknown is known is a powerful catalyst in fighting against the spread of HIV.
Getting tested serves as a good reminder to practise safe sex and refresh your sexual health knowledge. Knowledge is power, and familiarizing yourself with the truths of contracting HIV will help you fight social stigma when you encounter it.
Knowing your status allows you to plan for the future. Should you test positive, counselors can guide your next course of action. You can also join an HIV-group for moral support and guidance. It is about taking the rein of control over the virus, and not the other way round.
 
Unless you get tested, it is impossible to know if you need life-saving treatment and care. Detected early on, it’s possible to live a long life with HIV. However, without proper treatment, HIV can take a large toll on your health and life expectancy.
The bottom line is that getting tested is an act of respect. It proves that you respect yourself and your partner. No matter how safe you were and are, accidents still happen and it’s better to be informed than ignorant.
Don't be afraid of your status. Get tested regularly at a facility near you and join your fellow HIV advocates in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Where do you get tested in your country? Feel free to share in the comment section.

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