NEWS RELEASE
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Draft Recommendation of an “A” grade for prevention of HIV infection with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis released today holds the potential to facilitate access to a proven and valuable intervention for people who are exposed to higher risks of HIV infection. While access to antiretroviral medication used to prevent HIV infection – PrEP -- is safe and effective, just a small percentage of those who would benefit from PrEP currently receive it.
Recognizing the needs of men who have sex with men and heterosexual men and women at higher risks of exposure to the virus including those with partners living with HIV, those with multiple partners not using condoms, and those who inject drugs and share injecting equipment for PrEP is a valuable step. The USPSTF recommendation could significantly raise the percentage accessing it now, to many more, particularly those with health insurance coverage. As an association representing HIV care providers and researchers, HIVMA supports the draft recommendation, and values the opportunity the comment period from today to Dec. 26 will provide to strengthen it further.