HRC Blog, 21 October 2014

While advances in treatment and research mean that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence, for many years now the battle against this terrible epidemic has drawn to a standstill. Despite years of public education and outreach to vulnerable communities, there are still 50,000 new HIV infections every year in the United States.

But new advances, and new commitments from elected leaders, are cause for hope. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis—known simply as PrEP—is a new, life-changing medication that when taken daily is over 90% effective in preventing HIV-infections in HIV-negative individuals.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) recently joined a broad coalition of HIV/AIDS advocates and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to launch a renewed effort against the epidemic, with the goal of eliminating the AIDS epidemic in New York by 2020 by lowering new HIV infections to below 730 a year. PrEP is a key HIV-prevention tool we are advancing as part of this plan.

We welcome HRC—where I was very proud to work and still consider a lifelong home—as they join AIDS service organizations in calling for widespread adoption of PrEP. During my time at HRC, I had the privilege to work with HRC members all across the country to advance critical issues that affect the LGBT community. I know firsthand that HRC continues to see HIV and AIDS as a huge crisis facing LGBT Americans today, and shares our belief that PrEP can help us defeat this disease, once and for all.

Despite its potential power, PrEP is far from reaching widespread adoption. Why?

Many people, including men who have sex with men and other at-risk populations, have questions about side effects, or have heard misinformation about PrEP. A few are worried about the costs. And some think it could encourage more condomless sex.

But here's what you need to know. Like every medication, you must take PrEP as prescribed in order to maximize its effectiveness. GMHC believes PrEP should be used in conjunction with condoms because PrEP does not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections or an unwanted pregnancy. Side effects are minimal and uncommon. Cost can be a barrier, but most private insurers and many Medicaid programs now cover PrEP.

Nor is PrEP some kind of party drug that promotes promiscuous, dangerous sex. Studies found that those on PrEP were actually more likely to use a condom after they started taking the medication. In order to get PrEP one must see a doctor, be HIV-negative and agree to follow up visits every few months with their doctor. In short, PrEP is an entry point to primary care for many people who may not regularly see their primary care physicians.

Step back a second. Can you imagine, at the height of the AIDS crisis, how quickly we would have embraced a drug like PrEP that could prevent new infections? Today should be no different. Taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infections will keep some LGBT Americans from a lifetime of treatment to manage a chronic disease. GMHC continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with HRC in the fight for full LGBT equality, and a key strategy to achieving full equality is remaining vigilant in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With PrEP, we are better positioned to finally eliminate this epidemic for good.

Post submitted by Anthony Hayes, Gay Men's Health Crisis Public Affairs and Policy Managing Director

Source: HRC Blog