Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis HIV during Pandemic Covid-19: Challenge and Strategy

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused obstacles in providing PrEP services for HIV prevention. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the use of PrEP for HIV prevention. Social restriction policies and limited services are provided for fear of being infected with COVID-19. The aim is to review the challenges and strategies for providing HIV PrEP during the pandemic. This article narrative reviews the acceptance of the PrEP program according to The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Affective attitude, burden, ethics, self-efficacy, and perception of effectiveness influence acceptance of the PrEP program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several challenges were faced, including fear of transmission of COVID-19, disruption of access to health services, disruption of PrEP supplies, and shifting of priority for health workers to COVID-19. Strategies implemented during the pandemic to increase PrEP acceptance include telemedicine and remote counseling, mobile laboratories, medication home delivery, longer PrEP stocks, and online education and information. To support the PrEP program during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration and integration of PrEP and COVID-19 services are required.