The study shows the drug’s feasibility in fighting HIV

A study shows that immediate offer of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is possible in Brazil, with low early follow-up loss. Results published on December 21, The Lancet HIVone of the most respected scientific journals in the world, shows that adherence to PrEP and long-term retention of the service have been good.

PrEP is an anti-HIV medication, taken on a schedule to prevent HIV infection if exposure occurs. The research was conducted by the ImPrEP Study Group in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, from 2018 to 2021, and its main objective was to assess the feasibility of providing daily oral PrEP in these three countries, to act as a mirror to similar initiatives in Latin America.

In all, 9,509 people participated, with 3,928 in Brazil, 3,288 in Mexico, and 2,293 in Peru. Majority 94.3% sodomy, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (MSM). The remaining 5.7 percent are transgender and transgender women, the population most affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Latin America, between the ages of 18 and 30.

Results show that PrEP adherence and long-term retention to service were good, and worse among the younger and more vulnerable; And the HIV infection rate was very low, being higher in the most vulnerable populations with low adherence to PrEP.

According to the study, PrEP has proven to be an important preventive technology, especially among populations such as men who have sex with men, transvestites, and transgender people in Latin America. Research indicates that the social and structural determinants of HIV risk need to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of prevention.

The first phase of ImPrEP, associated with daily oral PrEP delivery, was an initiative of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in partnership with the Department of Chronic Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Universidade Cayetano Peruvian Heredia, from Peru, and Clinica Condesa and the National Institute of Health General, both from Mexico.