PrEP is a daily tablet of anti-retrovirals which will prevent a HIV-negative person from contracting HIV and is used when you are at risk of being exposed to HIV through sexual activity.

‘South Africa is the first country in Africa to approve PrEP and since its launch at our clinics in February last year, 6 184 clinic clients have received it.

‘Although HIV has become a manageable chronic health condition, there is no cure and it still impacts lives. When you’re sexually active the onus is on you to ensure you remain healthy and protect yourself from becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and at the same time, you are protecting your partner,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

HIV is also defined as an STI, as it is mostly transmitted sexually. 

PrEP does not protect against other STIs, only HIV, as it blocks the replication of the virus in human cells and thereby stopping infection. It also does not prevent pregnancy. 

Condoms continue to play an important role in preventing other STIs and in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

‘PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when it’s taken as prescribed. STIs and their devastating effects can be prevented. The staff at our clinics are able to address any concerns or questions so you can do what is best to safeguard your own sexual health and your future,’ said Councillor Van der Ross. 

A number of other strategies to prevent HIV infection are also used and are best used in combination:

Between April and October 2022, 13 478 patients had assisted HIV self-screening, returning a positivity rate of 2,3%. In addition, 15 606 patients have had assisted HIV self-screening at City Health facilities between November 2022 to April 2023 (six months), returning a positivity rate of 1,5%.

HIV Self-Screening allows individual to do their own HIV test, either in the presence of, and assisted by a healthcare worker, or not and it’s aimed at encouraging HIV testing. Should an individual's self-test be positive, they are recommended to undergo the usual HIV rapid testing by a lay counsellor or nurse at a healthcare facility, in accordance with the National HIV Testing Algorithm.