A programme for preventing HIV infection through the administration of pre-emptive anti-retroviral drugs is to be introduced later this year. The PrEP HIV prevention programme is being implemented by the Government following advice from the State’s health watchdog that it would be safe and cost-effective. Minister for Health Simon Harris said on Friday the Government wanted to ensure the number of HIV diagnoses was reduced. The programme is expected to cost about €1.5 million in the first year and €5.4 million over five years. However, after about eight years, the HSE would be expected to spend less money on the PrEP programme than it would have to spend on treating the extra HIV cases if no programme were available, according to the report.

Source: The Irish Times June 14, 2019 15:45 UTC