The sale of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a preventative treatment intended for HIV-negative people who have a higher risk of being exposed to the HIV virus, has almost doubled in the last three years, VRT reports.
Over a period of three years, sales of the treatment have increased by 84%, according to statistics from the Belgian Pharmaceutical Association. The main users of PrEP are gay men aged between 30 and 39.
The treatment, commonly sold under the brand name Truvada, is largely covered by medical insurance companies.
However, certain users from a vulnerable socio-economic or migration background are not always reimbursed if they are not signed up to a medical fund. The same is said about sex workers.
Experts are urging for improving the access of target groups to PrEP, such as people in their twenties and all those at higher risk of exposure to the HIV virus.
Belgium leading the way
PrEP is commonly prescribed by sexual health clinics as an HIV prevention strategy. It is 99% effective at preventing the user from contracting HIV. Belgium was one of the first countries in Europe to offer affordable and reimbursed PrEP treatments. One box of 30 pills costs €11.90.
In Belgium, PrEP cannot be prescribed at a pharmacy, but rather by any doctor. In order to be fully reimbursed, it should be prescribed by a doctor at an HIV reference centre. Increased use of PrEP in Belgium has resulted in wait times of up to five months to see this specialist.
According to figures published by the Sciensano Public Health Institute, around 5,000 people were undergoing PrEP treatment in Belgium at the end of 2021.
New forms of PrEP are under development which should help improve access to the preventative treatment, notably a bi-monthly injection.
