Differenza tra PrEP e PEP

Strengthening prevention efforts against HIV transmission WHO has launched updated guidelines aimed at expanding access to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a critical intervention in reducing new infections. Despite significant advancements in HIV treatment and testing, the global community continues to face persistently high rates of new HIV infections. Achieving epidemic control remains elusive, necessitating a renewed focus on preventive measures such as PEP. WHO’s new guidelines prioritize broader access to PEP, including community-based delivery and task sharing to mitigate barriers such as stigma and to ensure timely access post-exposure. PEP involves the administration of antiretroviral medications to individuals at risk of HIV infection after potential exposure. We know that the most crucial factor in preventing HIV infection using PEP is starting PEP as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. There are two new recommendations in the updated PEP guidelines:

New recommendation: HIV PEP should be delivered in community settings (strong recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). A key innovation in the updated guidelines are recommendations for community-based delivery and task sharing for PEP. Evidence supports the feasibility and effectiveness of providing PEP in community settings such as pharmacies, police stations and online platforms. This approach not only enhances accessibility, reducing the time between exposure and starting PEP, but also reduces stigma associated with seeking HIV prevention services.