Campaign called PrEP Protects is launched to tackle unequal access to PrEP for gay and bi men.
A campaign has been initiated to increase awareness of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that HIV-negative individuals can take to prevent acquiring HIV.
The campaign is organised by the HIV Prevention England program, which is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and implemented by the leading HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, along with local activation partners. The campaign, titled “PrEP Protects,” will be promoted throughout England using online advertisements and in-person events during the summer months.
More than a third of young gay and bisexual men who would benefit from PrEP are not currently using it. Data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals that 36% of gay and bisexual men under 25 who could benefit from PrEP are not taking it, compared to 24% of those aged 25 to 34. Additionally, Black gay and bisexual men are less likely to use PrEP than their white peers.
By increasing awareness of PrEP’s benefits, access methods, and various options for taking it, the campaign aims to reduce inequalities in PrEP accessibility.
Recent updates to medical guidelines state that PrEP should be prescribed to anyone who requests it, without requiring individuals to disclose specific behaviours to access it.
PrEP became widely available through the NHS in 2020/21. However, the uptake of PrEP among the groups that could benefit the most has been inconsistent. The government is committed to preventing ill health, promoting healthier lifestyles, and addressing health disparities. They have set a goal to eliminate new HIV transmissions in England by 2030.
Improving equity and access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) will be addressed in the upcoming HIV Action Plan, set to be published this year. This Action Plan will also align with the 10-Year Health Plan, which focuses on three key shifts: moving care from hospitals to communities, transitioning from analogue to digital solutions, and prioritising prevention over sickness.
People can find out more about PrEP at startswithme.org.uk, the NHS website or via their local sexual health clinic.
“Taking PrEP was a massive game-changer for me. I wasn’t sure it was for me and whether I was sexually active enough, but the more I read about it, the more I realised it was. I was living in fear of breaking condoms, but now I can just enjoy sex without any of those worries.”
– Darren Shoneye, a teacher from London who takes PrEP
“Ensuring people have the knowledge to take control of their sexual health is central to our mission. This campaign supports communities to do just that- by improving awareness, access and trust in one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV”
– Professor Kevin Fenton, the Government’s chief advisor on HIV
“PrEP is an amazing tool for people to take charge of their sexual health. Knowing that by taking one pill a day, they will not acquire HIV during sex can be so empowering for people. That’s why it’s so important that everyone consider if PrEP is right for them.”
– Takudzwa Mukiwa, Head of HIV Prevention at Terrence Higgins Trust
