A new service to provide HIV prevention pills to high-risk groups was launched yesterday in Ha Noi.
A new service to provide HIV prevention pills to high-risk groups was launched yesterday in Ha Noi.
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| A new service to provide HIV prevention pills to high-risk groups was launched yesterday in Ha Noi. — Photo baotintuc.vn |
The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services for HIV prevention, which was supported by the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will initially be provided at Dong Da District Health Center, Long Bien Health Center and the Ha Noi Medical University. More health center will be able to provide such service in Ha Noi in the future.
PrEP is a way for people who do not have HIV but are at substantial risk of contracting it, to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day, as part of a combination HIV prevention strategy. If someone who is on PrEP is exposed to HIV, the medication can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection. PrEP is extremely effective when taken correctly, and can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 92 percent or more.
The national programme for pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV was approved by the health ministry last year.
PrEP services would be provided in 11 provinces by 2020, including Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Long An, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh và Tien Giang. It aims to get 7,300 registrants.
(Source:VNS)
