Health4Men sheds light on PEP treatment

HEALTH4MEN IN THE NEWS: Health4Men’s Dr. Michael Laurino explains the details of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a health-e article. The story is based on a study which found that PEP treatment is below par in the Limpopo and North West provinces.

Despite the increased uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) in some of the country’s provinces, a study by the Population Council has found that many South African clinics lack the staff and skills to administer PEP to rape survivors.

Experts in the article also stressed that the crucial 72 hour period for the provision of PEP was not being adhered to. If received within 72 hours of exposure to HIV, PEP can prevent HIV infection.

In the article Dr. Michael Laurino of Anova’s Health4Men project fleshed out the details of PEP treatment.

Laurino stressed the importance of taking the PEP ARVS within 72 hours of potential exposure to the virus but also explained that PEP was taken over a period of time. Defaulting on PEP treatment or taking the medication intermittently would result in its being ineffective in preventing possible HIV infection.

Anova’s Health4Men clinics provide PEP to HIV-negative men who have been exposed to sexual activity which carries a high risk of HIV infection, according to the 72 hour guideline.

The article on the health-e website reports that clinics have the medication and testing kits required for PEP process but they lack staff versed in how to administer the treatment.

To read the article click here.