25,000 Protected Against HIV in Lusaka

25,000 people in Lusaka Province have been prescribed the long-acting HIV prevention drug known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP to help prevent the spread of AIDS.

The medication is taken by individuals who are HIV-negative but who stand a significant chance of contracting the virus without preventative measures. PrEP is administered as either a daily pill or a monthly injection for two months, followed by one shot every other month.

Speaking to ZNBC News, Lusaka Province’s Health Director Simulyana Choonga said it was important to stress that PrEP is available to all citizens who are HIV negative and at risk of being infected by the virus, which causes AIDS. He added that PrEP is highly effective and available in large quantities at most health facilities nationwide.

Dr Choonga said it was especially important for expectant mothers to be on the programme to prevent their unborn babies being infected with HIV.

HIV is still the leading cause of death in Zambia, with over 1.3 million people currently living with the virus. If left untreated, the infection risks developing into AIDS, which can be fatal.

HIV is spread through infected bodily fluids, often via unprotected sex or sharing needles.