Diverse group walking towards a bright future with PrEP and HIV prevention.

PrEP: Your Comprehensive Guide to HIV Prevention

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is revolutionizing HIV prevention, offering new hope and opportunities for at-risk individuals."

For nearly four decades, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has cast a long shadow across the globe. But with the advent of highly effective antiretroviral treatments, the tide is turning. These treatments have not only saved millions of lives but have also virtually eliminated the risk of HIV transmission for those who adhere to their regimens and achieve undetectable viral loads.

Now, there's another powerful tool in the fight against HIV: pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. Compelling evidence shows that PrEP, when taken consistently, can prevent millions of new HIV infections. This realization has led to ambitious global goals, including the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

To reach this ambitious goal, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has launched a 'Fast-Track' approach, emphasizing a rapid expansion of HIV prevention services. A key target is to have three million people on PrEP by 2020, setting the stage for a new era in HIV prevention.

What is PrEP and How Does it Work?

Diverse group walking towards a bright future with PrEP and HIV prevention.

PrEP involves taking antiretroviral medications daily to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at risk. These medications work by blocking HIV from establishing itself in the body if exposure occurs.

However, getting PrEP to the people who need it most has proven challenging. As of now, PrEP services are only available in a limited number of settings, creating disparities in access and hindering the overall impact of this prevention strategy.

Setting PrEP Targets: Many countries are establishing national targets for PrEP implementation to guide their efforts.
PrEP Policies: An increasing number of countries are developing national PrEP policies to support the widespread use of PrEP.
Integrating PrEP: Integrating PrEP into existing sexual health services can maximize resources and streamline care.
Community Involvement: Community-based approaches are crucial for reaching key populations and addressing local needs.

There is increasing urgency, which can be navigated with PrEP implementation and what steps need to be taken by providers. These insights come from pioneers in PrEP implementation around the world.

The Road Ahead: Expanding PrEP Access Globally

With more countries embracing PrEP implementation and PrEP service provision on the rise, it's crucial to foster open discussions about the opportunities and challenges that service providers face. By sharing knowledge and inspiring innovation, we can accelerate the expansion of PrEP around the world. Together, we can reach the global PrEP-coverage target and bring an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is PrEP, and how does it protect against HIV?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking antiretroviral medications daily. These medications prevent HIV from establishing itself in the body if exposure occurs. By consistently taking PrEP, individuals at risk of HIV can significantly reduce their chances of infection, offering a powerful tool in HIV prevention. Note that PrEP is most effective when taken as prescribed and should be part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, including regular testing and safe sexual practices.

What are some of the challenges in getting PrEP to the people who need it most, and what strategies are being implemented to address these issues?

One significant challenge is the limited availability of PrEP services, which creates disparities in access. To combat this, many countries are establishing national targets for PrEP implementation and developing national PrEP policies. Integrating PrEP into existing sexual health services helps maximize resources and streamline care. Additionally, community-based approaches are crucial for reaching key populations and addressing local needs, ensuring that PrEP is accessible to those who would benefit most from it. Further efforts are needed to address cost, awareness, and stigma associated with PrEP.

What is the 'Fast-Track' approach by UNAIDS, and how does PrEP fit into the plan to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030?

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched a 'Fast-Track' approach to rapidly expand HIV prevention services. A key target within this approach was to have three million people on PrEP by 2020. PrEP plays a vital role in this plan by preventing new HIV infections among at-risk individuals, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. The 'Fast-Track' approach also emphasizes increased testing, treatment, and viral suppression, working synergistically with PrEP to achieve epidemic control.

How effective is PrEP in preventing HIV transmission, and what does consistent use mean in maximizing its benefits?

Compelling evidence shows that PrEP, when taken consistently, can prevent millions of new HIV infections. Consistent use means adhering to the daily regimen of antiretroviral medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider. When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection. However, its effectiveness diminishes if it is not taken consistently. Consistent use ensures that there is a sufficient level of medication in the body to block HIV if exposure occurs. In addition to consistent PrEP use, regular HIV testing and safer sex practices are recommended for comprehensive prevention.

Besides the use of PrEP, what other HIV prevention strategies are crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS?

While PrEP is a powerful tool, a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention also includes consistent condom use, regular HIV testing, prompt treatment for those who are HIV-positive to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load (which prevents transmission), and access to clean needles for people who inject drugs. Additionally, addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, stigma, and discrimination, is essential for creating an environment where HIV prevention efforts can be most effective. Integrating these strategies with PrEP offers the best chance of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.