The use of oral human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis in pregnant and lactating women in sub-Saharan Africa:considerations,barriers,and recommendations
10.1016/j.glohj.2024.04.002
- Author:
Moyo ENOS
1
;
Murewanhema GRANT
;
Moyo PERSEVERANCE
;
Dzinamarira TAFADZWA
;
Ross ANDREW
Author Information
1. School of Nursing & Public Health
- Keywords:
Pre-exposure prophylaxis;
Pregnancy;
Lactation;
Safety;
Barriers;
Recommendations
- From:
Global Health Journal
2024;8(2):41-45
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In sub-Saharan Africa(SSA),63％of new human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infections in 2021 were among women,particularly adolescent girls,and young women.There is a high incidence of HIV among pregnant and lactating women(PLW)in SSA.It is estimated that the risk of HIV-acquisition during pregnancy and the postpar-tum period more than doubles.In this article,we discuss the safety and effectiveness of drugs used for oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP),considerations for initiating PrEP in PLW,the barriers to initiating and adher-ing to PrEP among them and suggest recommendations to address these barriers.Tenofovir/emtricitabine,the most widely used combination in SSA,is safe,clinically effective,and cost-effective among PLW.Any PLW who requests PrEP and has no medical contraindications should receive it.PrEP users who are pregnant or lactating may experience barriers to starting and adhering for a variety of reasons,including personal,pill-related,and healthcare facility-related issues.To address the barriers,we recommend an increased provision of information on PrEP to the women and the communities,increasing and/or facilitating access to PrEP among the PLW,and developing strategies to increase adherence.
