PrEP effective but not alone in HIV prevention - Physician
U=U concept reinforces importance of HIV treatment
SHAH ALAM - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful weapon in the fight against HIV, but it's important to understand that it's not a magic bullet.
To effectively reduce HIV transmission, PrEP should be used alongside other established preventive measures, such as condoms.
Speaking in the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and Durex 'Positive Living' campaign forum recently, Hospital Kuala Lumpur Consultant Infection Disease Physician Dr Khairil Khalid said PrEP involved taking a specific antiretroviral pill to prevent HIV infection in individuals who are at high risk.
Despite its effectiveness, Dr Khalid said PrEP is not a cure-all.
"For any disease prevention, there's no single intervention that works perfectly on its own.
"PrEP is a complement to existing strategies.
"We still need to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies," he said.
He said the rise in new HIV cases, which has shifted from predominantly intravenous drug users to sexual transmission, highlighted the importance of using PrEP alongside traditional preventive measures.
Dr Khalid also addresses the concept of U=U (Undetectable Equals Untransmittable), which signified that individuals with HIV who adhere to their antiretroviral treatment and achieve an undetectable viral load could not transmit the virus to their partners.
"This concept is supported by numerous studies and trials.
"In both heterosexual and same-sex couples, the risk of transmission drops to over 95 per cent when the HIV-positive partner maintains an undetectable viral load," he added.
Looking ahead, Dr Khalid said there are emerging trends in HIV prevention like long-acting injectable PrEP, which requires administration only once every two months.
"There are also early-phase trials for HIV vaccines.
"However, integrated strategies, including community engagement and regular testing, remain crucial," he said.
While PrEP is a valuable addition to the fight against HIV, Dr Khairil said its effectiveness is maximised when used in conjunction with other preventive measures and strategies.
He said the emphasis on comprehensive HIV prevention approaches, including regular testing and the integration of new treatments, will be vital in continuing to address the evolving challenges of HIV transmission.
