Politics

Puerto Rico Lags in Key HIV Prevention Strategy

The Puerto Rico Department of Health is unaware of how many people are using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV infection. Meanwhile, Centro Ararat estimates that over 13,000 individuals should be taking PrEP to prevent new cases of the disease. This lack of data and access to PrEP persists despite its importance in preventing HIV transmission. The Department of Health’s unawareness of PrEP usage and the existing barriers to access are significant concerns in the island’s efforts to combat the spread of HIV. Centro Ararat’s estimate highlights the need for increased access to this crucial medication. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Puerto Rico in addressing the HIV epidemic, with a key prevention strategy not being fully utilized due to these barriers.