In British Columbia, Canada, PEP is available in emergency rooms for patients with possible exposure. PEP can help strengthen HIV prevention strategies by serving as a bridge between prevention and treatment, similar to STD prevention. Traditional STD prevention includes education, testing, early treatment, counseling, partner notification and follow-up. In San Francisco, one PEP program is located in an STD clinic. Many people have advocated the integration of HIV and STD strategies.
PEP is a step in that direction.
A comprehensive HIV prevention strategy uses many elements to protect as many people at risk for HIV as possible. PEP offers the opportunity to expand the range of prevention activities, thereby expanding the possibility of saving lives. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deeks SG, Smith M, Holodniy M, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association.