A new pill to prevent contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is now available in the Philippines.
According to the cause-oriented group on sexual health LoveYourself PH, the pill called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Pill or prEP can help the body prevent HIV by more than 90 percent if taken daily.
Initial rollout of the prEP was in 2017 and the Food and Drugs Administration approved the use of the drug this year. The drug is also endorsed by the United National AIDS program.
According to an article posted at the PH website, the pills are available in limited cities around the country for now. It can be obtained at their group’s community centers, including the ones in Pasay City and at the White House in Cebu City.
In a report by GMA News Online, a prEP bottle good for a month of use costs around 1,500 to 2,400 pesos.
Future availability will also be in Manila, Paranaque, and Bacoor.
Basic “prEPPY” services can also be availed in all Hi-Precision Diagnostics centers across the country and at the website go.love.yourself.ph/PrEPPY
The UNAIDS said that Philippines is among the countries with rising number of HIV cases in the world. The infections also belonged to the 15 to 24 age brackets.
