Empowering Self-Care Through Access to PrEP

Expanding Access to PrEP: Enhancing Self-Care for At-Risk Individuals

As efforts to combat the HIV epidemic continue, experts are advocating for improved access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a critical component of self-care for individuals at risk of HIV infection. Dr. Anna Bershteyn, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to facilitate PrEP accessibility. She argues that increasing availability in private pharmacies could be more advantageous than relying solely on government clinics, which often operate under restricted hours.

Dr. Bershteyn suggests that enhancing PrEP access at alternative locations, such as local pharmacies and community health organizations, can significantly increase opportunities for individuals to undergo HIV testing. This increase in testing availability could help identify cases of HIV early, leading to timely treatment and improved health outcomes for those affected.

In her recent interview with Managed Healthcare Executive, Dr. Bershteyn raised an important question regarding the capacity of private pharmacies and community health workers to conduct rapid diagnostic tests, which are typically performed by healthcare providers. She proposed a practical solution: allowing clients to perform an HIV self-test in the presence of a pharmacist or health worker. This approach not only empowers individuals by promoting autonomy in their health care decisions but also mitigates potential barriers to testing that they may face in traditional healthcare settings. In a more trust-based model, clients could be instructed to conduct an HIV self-test at home prior to visiting for their PrEP consultation.

The importance of these discussions resonates in light of the upcoming International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 13 to 17. Dr. Bershteyn is set to share her findings at two significant presentations: one focusing on the impact of HIV self-testing on diagnosis and treatment, and the other addressing the establishment of objective targets for monitoring the progress of PrEP programs.

As global health initiatives strive to meet the targets set by the U.N. in combating AIDS, the incorporation of diverse testing and treatment access points, particularly for marginalized communities, remains an essential element. By advocating for improved access to PrEP and encouraging self-testing initiatives, experts like Dr. Bershteyn are paving the way for a more inclusive healthcare landscape that prioritizes prevention and empowers individuals to take charge of their sexual health.