BASHH support trial to increase access to PrEP in Wales

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) commend the recent announcement from the Welsh Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, of an all-Wales study to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to those who need it in Wales.

The announcement follows the initial recommendation of the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) not to fund PrEP on the NHS in Wales.

PrEP is a pill for people who are HIV negative and can be taken daily or before sex to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by 86% and has been hailed as a game-changer.

The study will be delivered by Public Health Wales and the HIV Expert Group and is expected to start this summer.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Elizabeth Carlin, President of BASHH said:

We are delighted that the Welsh Government has made the decision to provide PrEP for those who need it in Wales by initiating this study. We had been very disappointed in the initial recommendation from the AWMSG and are pleased that people in Wales who would benefit from PrEP will soon be able to access it. This is fantastic news and shows real vision and leadership from the Welsh Government in the fight against HIV.