KAVI Director Raises Concerns Over Misuse of HIV Prevention Medications

On April 5, 2024, during an interview on Citizen TV's Day Break show, Professor Walter Jaoko, the Director of the Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) and a member of the HIV/AIDS Tribunal, voiced his concerns regarding the misuse of HIV prevention medications.

Specifically, he highlighted the inappropriate usage of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) among specific individuals.

Professor Jaoko explained the intended purposes of PREP and PEP. PREP, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a preventive medication taken by individuals at high risk of contracting HIV. It is designed to reduce the risk of infection before potential exposure occurs.

On the other hand, PEP, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is administered after a potential exposure to HIV has taken place, within a specific timeframe of 36 hours, to prevent the virus from establishing an infection.

Professor Jaoko expressed his concern that some individuals misuse PEP and PREP.

He stated, "PEP and PREP are not being used for what they were meant for. People are taking PEP after every sexual encounter they have with a person whose HIV status they are uncertain of, and others are taking PREP in anticipation of having sexual intercourse with someone whose status they don't know."

According to Professor Jaoko, misusing these medications negates their intended purpose and raises potential risks. He explained that PEP should only be taken within a specified timeframe following a possible exposure, such as cases of gender-based violence or accidental occupational exposure among healthcare workers.

Similarly, PREP should be used by those at high risk of exposure to HIV, such as discordant couples, where one partner is HIV positive and the other is HIV negative.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines regarding the appropriate use of these medications.