A new digital PrEP service has just launched in East Sussex, making it easier for users to access testing and HIV PrEP without the need to visit a clinic.
Seven years on from the IMPACT trial launching in England, and four years on from wider public access, there are still numerous barriers to accessing HIV PrEP. It is hoped that this new service will help improve access and enable the UK to reach the government’s goal of zero HIV transmissions by 2030.
The Love Tank CIC’s research shows that gay and bisexual men have a hard time getting PrEP due to stigma, difficulties in getting appointments and navigating complex systems. More than half of HIV PrEP users (57%) say they would like to have the drug delivered to their home, rather than have to collect it
The free-to-use service kicked off on 6 August 2024 and is a team effort between East Sussex County Council, remote diagnostics provider Preventx, the not-for-profit community interest group The Love Tank CIC, and LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
People interested in using the new service can start by completing an online triage available at sh.uk. This is followed by an initial phone call with a clinician. If deemed appropriate, they will receive a home sampling kit to conduct essential tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and C. Should the HIV test result be negative, the user will then get a kidney function test along with a one-month supply of HIV PrEP medication. If this test is within a normal range, they will be offered up to a six-month prescription for HIV PrEP. Users will then be able to order repeat prescriptions online, which will be posted to them.
Dr Vanessa Apea, NHS sexual health consultant and medical director at Preventx, said:
“For some people, cultural taboos and stigmas, or time-consuming journeys to clinics, prevent them from accessing HIV PrEP, and put the UK’s 2030 goal at risk.”
“Offering people a choice of ways to access HIV PrEP is really important, and we are proud to launch this new service for the people of East Sussex”
Dr Will Nutland, Director at The Love Tank added:
“We’ve known since the introduction of HIV PrEP in the UK that the settings where PrEP is available need to increase. Adding a fully digital service to the options available expands the choices for those of us who use PrEP and will assist those who are unable to access clinics.”
“There is currently nothing like this available in England. We are excited to see the results of the pilot and how this innovative model can be used by others nationally and internationally to help achieve the aim set out in the England HIV action plan to end HIV transmission occurring in England by 2030.”
Antonio Colliani, who is 41 years old, has been using HIV PrEP regularly for 10 years.
“I’ve been a regular HIV PrEP user for 10 years, alternating between everyday and event-based use. An online service would be invaluable, as it would reduce the time I spend going to the local sexual health clinic, and therefore improve waiting times of patients who actually need assistance. At a time when the NHS is stretched so thin, and we’re even able to take our own samples for regular sexual health screenings at home, it seems like a no-brainer.”
For more information check out sh.uk/prep
