03/05/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2021 12:46
Reaching these targets requires a sustained focus on HIV prevention, including new interventions and approaches. New approaches include the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and clear minimum standards for standardised delivery and monitoring of PrEP across the EU/EEA.
ECDC guidance on implementation, standards, and monitoring of PrEP
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has developed an operational guidance to support countries in their efforts and to harmonise the overall approach taken to PrEP implementation in the region. This guidance provides practical recommendations to inform the development and implementation of PrEP programmes at national and sub-national levels throughout the EU/EEA.
The guidance lays out key considerations for PrEP implementation and provides an overview of key markers of readiness to deliver larger-scale PrEP programmes. It also provides guidance on how to establish support from senior and community stakeholders and prioritise PrEP within national health agendas.
Core principles of effective PrEP programmes
The guidance is structured around 10 core principles of effective PrEP programmes, categorised as being relevant for preparatory (before a programme exists), new (under 24 months) and established (24 months and above) phases of PrEP implementation:
Background information
PrEP for HIV is the use of antiretroviral medication, taken to prevent the acquisition of HIV infection.
In 2015, ECDC recommended that EU/EEA Members States should consider integrating PrEP into their existing HIV prevention package for those most at-risk of HIV infection, starting with men who have sex with men. This was followed by the WHO recommendations that PrEP should be offered as an additional prevention option to all people at substantial risk of HIV infection as part of combination prevention approaches.
To support Member States in developing and delivering PrEP programmes, the following documents are available as accompaniments to the guidance: