The Journal of the International AIDS Society is delighted to announce the launch of a new supplement, titled “Expanding access to a choice-based HIV prevention market”. This supplement was guest edited by Nicolette P. Naidoo (Wits RHI, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa), James Ayieko (Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya) and Virginia A. Fonner (Global Programs and Science, FHI 360, USA).
The introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized the HIV prevention landscape. However, several factors have impeded the impact of oral PrEP, ranging from system-level constraints to societal-level factors and individual behaviour. The advent of new long-acting PrEP methods, with different administration routes and less frequent dosing, offers a new opportunity for HIV prevention. Providing individuals with a variety of PrEP options has the potential to meet the needs of diverse populations, increase uptake and ultimately reduce new HIV acquisitions.
This supplement presents evidence of the importance of expanding access to a choice-based HIV prevention market among diverse settings and populations across an array of PrEP method options. It illustrates evidence, implementation learnings and challenges associated with the introduction, uptake and continued use of PrEP within the context of an expanded HIV prevention method mix.
As the Guest Editors reflect, true impact will depend not only on scientific advancements, but also on ensuring equitable access and person-centred delivery:
"PrEP choice is the future of HIV prevention; but choice means more than variety. It means ensuring people can access affordable HIV prevention methods and delivery options that fit their diverse needs and preferences."
The Journal of the International AIDS Society is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, which publishes HIV-related research from various disciplines and particularly encourages submissions in implementation sciences.
