Cape Town’s new HIV preventive strategy, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), has achieved great success in less than 18 months since its launch. The city’s clinics have had over 6,000 clients accessing the treatment, making it a ground-breaking initiative. South Africa is the first African nation to approve PrEP, a daily tablet of antiretroviral medication that protects HIV-negative individuals from contracting the virus when at risk of exposure through sexual activity.
Responsibility for Sexual Health
HIV remains a chronic health condition, and while it can be managed, there is still no cure. Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, emphasizes the need for sexually active individuals to take responsibility for their health and prevent STIs, including HIV. It’s important to note that HIV is classified as an STI as it is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
Limitations of PrEP
PrEP protects solely against HIV and not other STIs. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus within human cells, thereby preventing infection. PrEP is not contraceptive, and condoms continue to play an essential role in protecting against other STIs and unintended pregnancies. Councillor Van der Ross stresses the importance of taking PrEP as prescribed to ensure its efficacy in warding off HIV.
Combining Prevention Strategies
Several other prevention strategies are in place to combat HIV infection. These include male and female condoms, lubricants, voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV testing, risk reduction counseling, and antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected partners. Combining these strategies has proven to be the most effective approach.
HIV Self-Screening
Between April and October 2022, 13,478 patients underwent assisted HIV self-screening, resulting in a 2.3% positivity rate. From November 2022 to April 2023, 15,606 patients accessed HIV self-screening at City Health facilities, yielding a 1.5% positivity rate. HIV self-screening empowers individuals to perform their HIV tests independently or with a healthcare professional. It aims to encourage HIV testing and prompt individuals to seek rapid testing if self-tests return positive results.
Accessing PrEP
For those interested in accessing PrEP, a list of the participating City facilities can be found through the city’s website. More information on Cape Town’s HIV prevention strategy is also available on the same website.
Cape Town’s achievement in the fight against HIV demonstrates PrEP’s potential to serve as a valuable tool in combating the spread of the virus. As more individuals become proactive in safeguarding their sexual health, a brighter, healthier future emerges for the community at large.
