The Paraguayan Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) is strengthening HIV prevention strategies with the free availability of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the country’s public health services. Both tools are key to reducing the risk of transmission of the virus, to help prevent HIV.
PEP: Emergency treatment for exposure to HIV
PEP is an antiretroviral treatment that must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure to HIV and continued for 28 days to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Its use is recommended in cases of occupational exposure (such as health care personnel) and non-occupational exposure (unprotected sex, sexual abuse, among others).
This treatment is available free of charge in district, regional and specialized hospitals throughout the country. In addition, the National Program for the Control of HIV/AIDS/STIs (PRONASIDA) implemented the distribution of “emergency boxes” containing antiretroviral drugs for immediate access.
PrEP: A high-impact strategy to prevent HIV
PrEP is a daily antiretroviral medication aimed at people without HIV who are at high risk of exposure to the virus. Its effectiveness is widely proven and its implementation in Paraguay continues to expand, as part of the government’s strategy to prevent HIV in Paraguay.
To date, 1,188 people have accessed PrEP in the country. The highest concentration of users is in the 20-34 age group.
Where the medicines to treat and prevent HIV can be obtained
Currently, the medicine is available at the following health centers:
- Regional Hospital of Coronel Oviedo
- Regional Hospital of Concepción
- Regional Hospital of Encarnacion
- Regional Hospital of Ciudad del Este
- Pedro Juan Caballero Regional Hospital
- San Pablo General Maternal and Child Hospital
- Maternal and Child Hospital of Capiatá
- General Hospital of the Working Class District
- Institute of Tropical Medicine
- PRONASID
In addition, the Ministry of Health has enabled teleconsultations for the initiation and monitoring of treatment, facilitating access without the need to travel.
Dr. Elena Candia, director of PRONASIDA, stressed that these strategies are part of the health system’s commitment to guarantee HIV prevention in our country.
A government spokesperson said: “With these actions, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare reaffirms its commitment to prevention, equitable access to treatment and strengthening public health in Paraguay.”
