The City of Cape Town’s Health Department now offers a new HIV preventative strategy at many City facilities. Known as Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), it is a daily tablet of anti-retrovirals taken by an HIV-negative person, to prevent them from contracting HIV. Read more below:

February is STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and condom awareness month.

‘The prevention of STIs are an important global health priority because of their devastating impact on women and babies and their relationship with HIV.’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health , Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

STIs often do not cause symptoms initially, leaving an individual unaware of the infection and increases the likelihood of it being passed on to others.

Preventative measures such as condom-use prevents the spread of STIs, and should be used even if a partner claims no symptoms.

Symptoms of an STI may include vaginal discharge, penile discharge, ulcers on or around the genitals, and pelvic pain. Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics leaving the person cured of the infection and therefore unable to pass the infection on to others.

HIV is also an STI and similar to the others, people with the infection may remain asymptomatic for quite some time before becoming unwell. Unlike most other STIs, treatment for HIV does not cure the infection. Those who are HIV positive must take daily medication (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) to remain healthy.

Those with an STI (even if asymptomatic) are at higher risk of contracting HIV, and those who are HIV positive with an STI are more likely to pass the virus on to others. Therefore the treatment of STIs is an important HIV preventative strategy.

There are a number of other strategies to prevent HIV infection; these are always best used in combination:

• male and female condoms
• use of lubricants
• voluntary medical male circumcision
• HIV testing
• risk reduction counselling
• ART for partners with HIV infection

The new preventative strategy now offered at many City facilities is PrEP, and is also recommended to be used in combination with the other, above named preventative strategies.

‘‘If taken correctly, on a daily basis, PrEP is very effective at preventing HIV. Your sexual and reproductive health is your responsibility. Visit your nearest clinic with any concerns or questions, and do what is necessary to protect yourself and those you love,’ said Councillor van der Ross.

Source: City Of Cape Town