HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Strategies for Women
Summary
Women account for a substantial proportion of new HIV infections worldwide, driven by gender inequities, social norms and biological factors that heighten susceptibility. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a key prevention tool, encompassing daily oral antiretroviral regimens, longer-acting injectable agents and intravaginal devices. Oral PrEP, typically tenofovir-based, demonstrates high efficacy when adherence is optimal, yet challenges such as stigma, pill burden and low perceived risk have limited uptake and persistence among women. Recent innovations include cabotegravir injections and the dapivirine vaginal ring, which offer reduced dosing frequency and user discretion. Successful PrEP strategies integrate reproductive health services, community engagement and tailored adherence support. Programmes grounded in youth-friendly and family planning settings have improved reach, while differentiated service delivery models—telehealth, pharmacy distribution and mobile clinics—address access barriers. Sustained impact requires empowering women to assess HIV risk, normalise PrEP use and navigate evolving prevention options within diverse cultural and health-system contexts.
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HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Strategies for Women publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hiv pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies for women across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV acquisition.
Adherence: Consistent and correct use of PrEP according to prescribed regimen.
Long-acting PrEP: Formulations such as injectable cabotegravir or intravaginal rings designed for extended dosing intervals.
Oral PrEP: Daily pill regimens, typically containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine.
Dapivirine vaginal ring: A silicone matrix ring that releases antiretroviral drug over a month to reduce HIV risk.
References
- Values and Preferences on the Use of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Multiple Populations: A Systematic Review of the Literature. AIDS and Behavior (2016).
- Preparing for long‐acting PrEP delivery: building on lessons from oral PrEP. Journal of the International AIDS Society (2023).
- Integrating preexposure prophylaxis delivery in routine family planning clinics: A feasibility programmatic evaluation in Kenya. PLOS Medicine (2019).
- Awareness of Heightened Sexual and Behavioral Vulnerability as a Trigger for PrEP Resumption Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in East and Southern Africa. Current HIV/AIDS Reports (2023).
- The influence of HIV‐related stigma on PrEP disclosure and adherence among adolescent girls and young women in HPTN 082: a qualitative study. Journal of the International AIDS Society (2020).
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