An expert has revealed how prevention research and use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), will help improve the health of the populace through achieving reduced new HIV infections.
Dr James Anenih, the head of Research at the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), spoke on the status of PrEP which are drugs that people take to prevent them from getting HIV infection.
According to Anenih, about two years ago the PrEP demonstration study was launched in Nigeria, he explained that PrEP is a procedure for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of contracting the virus; to prevent HIV infection they take a pill daily.
PrEP demonstration study, which creation was made possible owing to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant, is used worldwide and it is more than 98% effective.
The primary objective of the study is to find a model that will be cost effective, available and efficient to introduce in Nigeria.
Anenih further said the study is taking place in three states, Plateau, Anambra and Cross River. It will come to an end in September this year. And at the end the output should provide necessary information to enable government make informed decision when it wants to roll it out.
Prevention research or interventions involve condoms, gels, microbicides, and drugs. So researches around these prevention interventions are primarily to make them more available, more effective and more efficient.
HIV biomedical research involves research around things like condoms, microbicides, HIV drugs that are used for prevention, that is Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART), and PrEP among others.
Another area of biomedical research is vaccines.
Speaking on efforts made towards achieving the studies objectives he said the country is lucky to have the collaboration of western countries who are better equip and are supportive as donor gevernment.
A healthy country is a wealthy country; the lower the number of people with new HIV infections the better it is for the country. It will not only improve the economy of the country but the general health of the populace.
