The pill that prevents HIV: what is PrEP and why you should know it exists

The pill that prevents HIV: what is PrEP and why you should know it exists

For many people, HIV remains associated with fear, illness and an issue that is “no longer relevant”. At the same time, too few people know that modern methods can prevent HIV infection by providing protection before exposure occurs. One of these methods is called PrEP.

Although it has been used for years in many countries, PrEP remains little known in the Republic of Moldova. And a lack of awareness remains one of the main risk factors.

What PrEP actually is

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is an HIV prevention method intended for HIV-negative people. Specifically, PrEP involves taking medication that prevents HIV from establishing itself in the body if exposure occurs.

It is important to make this clear from the outset: PrEP is not a treatment for HIV and is not intended for people already living with the virus. It is a prevention method, comparable to vaccines or other measures taken before a disease develops.

How PrEP was developed and how safe it is

PrEP is not a recent experiment. The idea emerged in the early 2000s alongside advances in antiretroviral treatments. Researchers observed that certain medications, when used correctly, could prevent HIV infection as well as treat the disease.

The first large-scale clinical trials took place around 2010, involving tens of thousands of participants across several countries.

When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by more than 99%. Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization included PrEP in its official HIV prevention recommendations. Today, it is widely used in Europe, the United States and other regions.

Who PrEP is for — and who it is not for

One of the most widespread myths is that PrEP is “for a particular group”. In reality, PrEP is about risk, not identity.

PrEP may be an option for any HIV-negative person who:

• is sexually active;
• does not consistently use condoms;
• has multiple partners;
• has an HIV-positive partner;
• cannot always negotiate the use of protection;
• wants greater control over their own health.

HIV does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or social status. Neither should prevention.

What PrEP does NOT do

PrEP protects only against HIV. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

That is why specialists emphasise that PrEP works best as part of a broader sexual health strategy that includes regular testing and, wherever possible, condom use.

Why PrEP matters in a world where HIV still exists

Globally, more than 40 million people are living with HIV, and approximately 1.3 million new infections occur each year. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people die from AIDS-related causes.

The Republic of Moldova is no exception. Data indicate that approximately 16,000–17,000 people are living with HIV, with 700–900 new cases reported annually. A significant proportion are diagnosed late, when the disease is already advanced.

These figures demonstrate a simple fact: HIV has not disappeared, and prevention remains essential.

Why testing remains key

PrEP cannot be taken “blindly”. Before starting PrEP, a person must confirm that they are HIV-negative. Testing is therefore the essential first step.

Regular testing also makes it possible to:

• detect infection early;
• start treatment promptly;
• prevent onward transmission of the virus.

Specialists estimate that 10–20% of people living with HIV do not know they have it. Testing remains the only reliable way to know.

Where to learn more and access PrEP in Moldova

In the Republic of Moldova, accurate information about PrEP, HIV testing and prevention is available through specialised community organisations, including the GENDERDOC-M Information Centre (GDM).

Through GDM, eligible individuals can receive:

• information and counselling;
• HIV testing;
• an assessment for PrEP;
• access to PrEP and medical monitoring.

These services are provided free of charge and confidentially, in a safe, non-discriminatory setting.

HIV is not a problem of the past, but infection is not inevitable. Today, prevention is possible. PrEP is one of the most effective methods available, and testing remains the starting point.

Further information about PrEP, testing and HIV prevention is available at gdm.md and on Instagram at @prep_moldova.