PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a safe and highly effective way for HIV-negative people to prevent HIV by taking medication before and after sex.
Generic versions of PrEP are already available for purchase in community pharmacies across Ireland, however the medication’s relatively high cost of €60 to €90 for a 30 day supply keeps it out of reach of many who could benefit. For that reason amongst others, ACT UP Dublin and other advocates have been calling for the HSE to provide PrEP. Last June, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he expected a PrEP programme to be in place by June of 2019. This was followed by a statement from Minister for Health, Simon Harris, that the Government’s plan was to roll out PrEP from early 2019.