New JIAS supplements on PrEP and PEP

The Journal of the International AIDS Society announced the launch of two new supplements:

1. Expanding access to a choice-based HIV prevention market

The introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized the HIV prevention landscape. However, several factors have impeded the impact of oral PrEP, ranging from system-level constraints to societal-level factors and individual behaviour. The advent of new long-acting PrEP methods, with different administration routes and less frequent dosing, offers a new opportunity for HIV prevention. Providing individuals with a variety of PrEP options has the potential to meet the needs of diverse populations, increase uptake and ultimately reduce new HIV acquisitions.

The supplement presents evidence of the importance of expanding access to a choice-based HIV prevention market among diverse settings and populations across an array of PrEP method options. It illustrates evidence, implementation learnings and challenges associated with the introduction, uptake and continued use of PrEP within the context of an expanded HIV prevention method mix. As the Guest Editors reflect, true impact will depend not only on scientific advancements, but also on ensuring equitable access and person-centred delivery: “PrEP choice is the future of HIV prevention; but choice means more than variety. It means ensuring people can access affordable HIV prevention methods and delivery options that fit their diverse needs and preferences.”

Read more here.

Access the supplement here.

2.  PEP in Africa: prospects, opportunities and challenges

Despite progress, global HIV incidence remains high, with 1.2 million acquisitions in 2023, far exceeding the UNAIDS targets. While treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have helped avert new acquisitions, implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has remained limited despite its proven efficacy. This has mainly been due to centralized PEP provision, its restricted use for occupational and sexual violence exposures, and limited awareness. The World Health Organization’s 2024 guidelines advocate for community-based PEP distribution and task sharing to improve PEP uptake; however, real-world data and scientific literature on implementation approaches remain scarce, particularly in Africa.

The supplement features multidisciplinary research designed to improve the rollout of PEP in Africa. The articles underline the importance of effective implementation strategies in expanding PEP availability and uptake. They show how innovative research in diverse African settings is piloting ways to identify who would benefit most from PEP and effective ways to deliver it. As the Guest Editors point out, “Increasing the choice of options for HIV prevention is essential. New products, such as a pill or injection that could be taken just once after an exposure, could make a big difference to the ease of delivery of PEP. Ongoing research will simplify PEP, improve access and help to define the opportunities for PEP within the overall HIV prevention strategy.”

Read more here.

Access the supplement here.