PrEP implementation in the Asia‐Pacific region: opportunities, implementation and barriers

作者：Iryna Zablotska, Andrew E. Grulich, Nittaya Phanuphak, Tarandeep Anand, Surang Janyam, Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Rachel Baggaley, Frits van Griensven, Ying-Ru Lo · 发表于：Journal of the International AIDS Society · 年份：2016 · DOI：10.7448/ias.19.7.21119 · 被引用次数：81 · 研究领域：HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions、Sex work and related issues、HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk

INTRODUCTION: HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region are concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other key populations. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention intervention and could be a potential game changer in the region. We discuss the progress towards PrEP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, including opportunities and barriers. DISCUSSION: Awareness about PrEP in the Asia-Pacific is still low and so are its levels of use. A high proportion of MSM who are aware of PrEP are willing to use it. Key PrEP implementation barriers include poor knowledge about PrEP, limited access to PrEP, weak or non-existent HIV prevention programmes for MSM and other key populations, high cost of PrEP, stigma and discrimination against key populations and restrictive laws in some countries. Only several clinical trials, demonstration projects and a few larger-scale implementation studies have been implemented so far in Thailand and Australia. However, novel approaches to PrEP implementation have emerged: researcher-, facility- and community-led models of care, with PrEP services for fee and for free. The WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV testing, treatment and prevention call for an expanded access to PrEP worldwide and have provided guidance on PrEP implementation in the region. Some countries like Australia have released national PrEP guidelines. There are growing community leadership and consultation processes to initiate PrEP implementation...