{"id":57717,"date":"2025-12-29T14:42:35","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T14:42:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gnew.gdm.md\/noutati\/no-category\/pastila-care-previne-hiv-ce-este-prep-si-de-ce-ar-trebui-sa-stii-ca-exista\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T11:09:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T11:09:34","slug":"pastila-care-previne-hiv-ce-este-prep-si-de-ce-ar-trebui-sa-stii-ca-exista","status":"publish","type":"pt_news","link":"https:\/\/gdm.md\/en\/noutati\/health\/pastila-care-previne-hiv-ce-este-prep-si-de-ce-ar-trebui-sa-stii-ca-exista\/","title":{"rendered":"The pill that prevents HIV: what is PrEP and why you should know it exists"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"For many people, HIV remains associated with fear, illness and an issue that is \u201cno longer relevant\u201d. 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What PrEP actually is<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

It is important to make this clear from the outset: PrEP is not a treatment for HIV<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

How PrEP was developed and how safe it is<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The first large-scale clinical trials took place around 2010, involving tens of thousands of participants across several countries.<\/p>\n

When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by more than 99%<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Who PrEP is for \u2014 and who it is not for<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most widespread myths is that PrEP is \u201cfor a particular group\u201d. In reality, PrEP is about risk, not identity.<\/p>\n

PrEP may be an option for any HIV-negative person who:<\/p>\n