Those at the highest risk of catching HIV should be offered prophylaxis, according to the first guidance of its kind in the UK, published today.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say that Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) should be targeted in the hope it will make a significant impact in reducing HIV transmission in key groups.
These include HIV negative men or transgender women who have condomless sex with men, and HIV negative heterosexual men and women who have condomless sex with partners who are HIV positive.
The recommendation is supported by the government’s HIV Action Plan, which aims to reach zero new HIV transmissions by 2030.
Previous evidence indicates that PrEP reduces the risk of infection by 86% for men who have sex with men. It has been prescribed by the NHS in England to over 26,000 people since October 2020.
PrEP is available via specialist sexual health services and people taking it are advised to have regular HIV and STI tests.
Dr Paul Chrisp, of NICE, said: “Thankfully the number of cases of HIV being recorded each year has fallen considerably and the number of people dying from this virus is also receding in the UK.
“Recommending specialist sexual health clinics offer PrEP to those at the highest risk is another step forward in helping to reduce HIV transmission and could have a transformative effect on helping the UK reach zero HIV transmissions by 2030.
“If you are a person in one of the highest risk groups, I would urge you to speak with your local sexual health clinic to find out if PrEP is an option for you.”
NICE are also launching a consultation on its draft guidance on reducing sexually transmitted infections.
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