Global HIV PrEP access and implementation

Research and local health initiatives have highlighted various aspects of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access and implementation globally.

In the United States and South Africa, studies identified significant barriers to PrEP uptake. In the US, Black men who have sex with men faced obstacles including misinformation, side effect concerns, low perceived risk, stigma, and affordability issues. In South Africa’s North West Province, research emphasized the need for better resource investment and adherence to clinical guidelines to improve service delivery and equitable access.

In Brazil, the Mucuri Municipal Health Secretariat is actively decentralizing PrEP access by integrating it into Basic Health Units (UBS). Coordinated through the Testing and Counseling Center (CTA), this initiative aims to expand access to this key prevention strategy provided by the Unified Health System (SUS). Following technical meetings in Teixeira de Freitas, the plan allows residents to receive guidance, monitoring, and medication directly at local primary care units. This strategy is intended to eliminate the necessity for travel to specialized services and strengthen the role of primary care as the main entry point for health services. The implementation process includes staff training and the organization of service workflows to ensure quality and safety.

Recent developments in Mucuri confirm the ongoing implementation of this decentralization, focusing on increasing accessibility by allowing residents to receive medication and guidance locally through these Basic Health Units.