Free daily pill latest tool to prevent spread of HIV in BC

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The province is adding a new tool in the battle to eliminate HIV.

As of Monday, those at risk of contracting the virus will have the option of taking a free daily preventative pill called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

“Our government is committed to helping fight the spread of HIV/AIDS and supporting people as they take action to protect themselves from this virus,” says Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, in a release. “Making this medication free for people will prevent new HIV infections, remove barriers to care and services, and help people live longer and healthier lives.”

This has been something the province has been wanting to do for a while — it’s just been waiting for the pill to become more affordable — which it now is through the availability of a generic alternative to the drug Truvada.

“It was difficult to make the math work out, however, with some of these drugs becoming generic we had an opportunity to re-organize our… plans,” says Dr. Julio Montaner, the director for the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. “So we created some additional space on our fiscal sort of budget.”

The Centre and the World Health Organization recommend daily use of the drug for people at risk of HIV infection, as part of an array of other prevention tools like condoms and sterile equipment.

Montaner says BC has been a world-leader in the push to control the spread of HIV and AIDS in recent decades. He believes the addition of PrEP will help have a big impact in BC.

“The question is can we identify the people at the highest risk who are the ones that need it the most.”

Those at risk of contracting HIV include men and transwomen who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, and people who have sex with those living with HIV.

According to the provincial government, HIV/AIDS-related deaths have decreased by more than 90 per cent since 1996.

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