Published on 14/12/2018

National PrEP orientation workshops for key populations

The acceleration of the response to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030 requires that all available means of prevention be made available to the populations most vulnerable to HIV, in particular the key populations identified in the National AIDS Strategic Plan 2018-2022 (NSP), in order to optimise results.

PrEP, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a strategy for reducing the risk of contracting HIV, based on the use of an antiretroviral drug to be taken during a period of exposure to a risk of contamination. The conclusive results of several trials have demonstrated the interest of setting up a PrEP offer, integrated into a complete sexual health support system, for people most exposed to HIV.

Thus, from 11 to 14 December 2018, two national orientation workshops for key populations on PrEP are taking place in Mbour, within the framework of the Global Fund's New Financing Model 2 (NMF2/FM). These workshops follow the first workshop held in Dakar in August 2018.

During these meetings, participants will be informed about PrEP and how to conduct initial counselling on the offer. This workshop is also an opportunity for peer educators to be reinforced on the epidemiology of HIV in Senegal.

For one participant, "this workshop reinforces the choice in terms of HIV prevention". However, another participant recommended "addressing stigma issues in the hospital setting for better effectiveness of PrEP".

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