The number of people diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) rose by eight per cent last year. From a preventive health perspective, the HIV prevention drug PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is safe and highly effective for people at substantial risk of contracting the virus. The Hiqa report estimates that more than 1,700 people would join a PrEP programme in its first year. With the success of combined anti retroviral therapy in turning HIV infection from a fatal illness to a chronic, manageable condition, the focus has moved from treatment to prevention. When used every day, in combination with condoms, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99 per cent.

Source: The Irish Times April 28, 2019 22:52 UTC