PrEP has definitely changed the landscape when it comes to dealing with HIV, and there are numbers available to prove it. As reported by the BBC, the United Kingdom has seen a 71 percent drop in HIV infection among gay and bi men, thanks mostly to the use of PrEP.

The numbers come from Public Health England, which says HIV transmissions among gay and bisexual men dropped to just 800 in 2018. This is a huge drop from the 2012 numbers, which pegs the number of transmissions at 2,800.

Public Health England also revealed that 93 percent of the 103,800 people living with HIV in the UK have been diagnosed with the virus. Ninety-seven percent of those have been receiving treatment, with 97 percent of that 97 percent already undetectable and unable to transmit the virus.

Matt Hancock, the UK’s Health Secretary, believes that the drop shows that the UK will be able to end HIV transmission by 2030.

“I feel very strongly that we must end HIV transmission. HIV has brought untold hurt and suffering to so many, so it is encouraging to see transmissions continue to fall across the UK,” he said.

Currently, high-risk patients in Scotland and Wales can get PrEP for free. However, other people can also get PrEP by taking part in an impact trial that started in September 2017.

Access to PrEP is much easier in the United States, especially with the US government’s recent opening of applications for free PrEP. To get free PrEP, applicants must not have insurance coverage for prescription drugs. Second, they must test negative for HIV. Finally, they should have a PrEP prescription. Those interested in applying can call the toll-free number 1-855-447-8410.

Aside from that, generic HIV prevention medication will also be made available on September 30, 2020.

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