Considerations for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV Infection and Screening for Hepatitis B and C

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.4 million people die each year from infections caused by the hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. These viruses are endemic in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The diseases they cause are especially common among people who inject drugs and people that due to their sexual practices are at substantial risk of infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These populations are the main beneficiaries of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which consists of an antiretroviral regimen aimed at preventing HIV infection. PrEP services are already provided in many Latin American and Caribbean countries within a combination HIV prevention framework, which must also address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of other STIs and viral hepatitis.

The purpose of this document is to help countries plan and cost for the provision of hepatitis services within PrEP services. It also complements the instructions provided in the User guide of the Needs Estimation and Costing Tool for Implementing HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).