HIV prevention has advanced with medical science, offering effective strategies to reduce transmission risk and manage the disease. Today, methods merge traditional prevention with modern drugs, empowering individuals to prevent HIV & maintain a high quality of life. Learn more about HIV prevention.

Comprehensive Education and Awareness
Education remains a cornerstone of HIV prevention. Comprehensive sexual education programs that cover the mechanisms of HIV transmission, the importance of safe sex practices, and the use of condoms are crucial. These programs are effective in schools, communities, and healthcare settings and serve as the first line of defense against HIV by dispelling myths and reducing stigma associated with the virus.

Routine Testing and Counseling
Regular HIV testing is recommended for all sexually active individuals and particularly for those in high-risk groups. Early detection through routine screenings facilitates timely management of the disease and prevents transmission to others. Counseling sessions provide necessary education about preventive measures and, if needed, guide individuals on starting treatment early, which is crucial for managing the disease.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP refers to the practice of taking HIV medications before coming into potential contact with HIV to prevent infection. Medications like Descovy are approved for PrEP and have shown high efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV infection in non-infected individuals when taken regularly. Descovy, which is often favored for its lower side effects and improved safety profile for bones and kidneys compared to older PrEP medications like Truvada, is a cornerstone of modern HIV prevention strategies.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV-Positive Individuals
For individuals who are HIV-positive, adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce their viral load to undetectable levels, which makes the virus untransmittable to sexual partners. Drugs like Biktarvy, a single-tablet regimen, simplify ART by combining three powerful medications. This not only helps in reducing the viral load effectively but also improves compliance with the treatment regimen, further preventing the transmission of HIV.

Harm Reduction for Injection Drug Users
Harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs and supervised injection facilities are vital in preventing HIV spread among injection drug users. These programs provide clean needles, dispose of used ones safely, and offer testing and other health services, significantly reducing the risk of HIV transmission through shared or unclean needles.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP involves taking antiretroviral medicines immediately after possible exposure to HIV, such as through a needlestick injury or unprotected sex. To be effective, PEP must begin within 72 hours of exposure, and it continues for 28 days. This emergency intervention is critical in preventing the virus from establishing a permanent infection.