Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Strategies for HIV Prevention
Summary
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a cornerstone of modern HIV prevention, combining biomedical innovation with behavioural and structural support to reduce new infections. Daily oral regimens of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with emtricitabine remain the most widely used approach, offering high efficacy when adherence is maintained. Alternative dosing strategies, including event-driven or “on-demand” regimens, have broadened options for individuals with intermittent exposure risk. Long-acting formulations—such as injectable cabotegravir administered every two months, vaginal rings releasing dapivirine and emerging implantable devices—promise to improve convenience and adherence. Complementary interventions address social and structural barriers: digital tools deliver adherence reminders and telehealth consultations; task-shifting to primary care and community pharmacies expands access; and targeted outreach seeks to engage marginalised groups. Effective deployment relies on accurate risk assessment, supportive counselling, routine testing and monitoring, and strategies to sustain retention in care. Globally, PrEP programmes are reshaping HIV prevention landscapes, offering personalised protection that can adapt to diverse epidemiological settings, from urban centres to remote regions.
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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Strategies for HIV Prevention publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies for hiv prevention across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): The administration of antiretroviral medication to HIV-negative individuals before potential exposure to prevent infection.
Adherence: The extent to which an individual takes medications as prescribed, critical for PrEP efficacy.
Retention in care: Continued engagement with healthcare services, including regular monitoring and prescription renewals.
Event-driven PrEP: A dosing strategy in which medication is taken around the time of sexual activity rather than daily.
Long-acting injectable: A formulation of antiretroviral drug administered by injection at extended intervals to maintain protective drug levels.
References
- Effect of extending PrEP initiation to primary care settings: a nationwide cohort study in France. The Lancet Public Health (2025).
- Undeclared pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) use among syphilis-positive blood donors, England, 2020 to 2021. Eurosurveillance (2023).
- Technology-Assisted Interventions in the Delivery of HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2025).
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