| Authors |
Gokengin, Deniz ; Bursa, Dominik ; Skrzat-Klapaczynska, Agata ; Alexiev, Ivailo ; Arsikj, Elena ; Balayan, Tatevik ; Begovac, Josip ; Cicic, Alma ; Dragovic, Gordana ; Harxhi, Arjan ; Aimla, Kerstin ; Lakatos, Botond ; Matulionytė, Raimonda ; Mulabdic, Velida ; Oprea, Cristiana ; Papadopoulos, Antonios ; Rukhadze, Nino ; Sedlacek, Dalibor ; Sojak, Lubomir ; Tomazic, Janez ; Vassilenko, Anna ; Vasylyev, Marta ; Verhaz, Antonija ; Yancheva, Nina ; Yurin, Oleg ; Kowalska, Justyna |
| Abstract [eng] |
With no expected vaccine for HIV in the near future, we aimed to define the current situation and challenges for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Euroguidelines CEE Network Group members were invited to respond to a 27-item survey including questions on PrEP (response rate 91.6%). PrEP was licensed in 68.2%; 95 centers offered PrEP and the estimated number on PrEP was around 9000. It was available in daily (40.1%), on-demand (13.3%), or both forms (33.3%). The access rate was <1–80%. Three major barriers for access were lack of knowledge/awareness among people who are in need (59.1%), not being reimbursed (50.0%), and low perception of HIV risk (45.5%). Non-occupational PEP was available in 86.4% and was recommended in the guidelines in 54.5%. It was fully reimbursed in 36.4%, only for accidental exposures in 40.9%, and was not reimbursed in 22.72%. Occupational PEP was available in 95.5% and was reimbursed fully. Although PrEP scale-up in the region has gained momentum, a huge gap exists between those who are in need of and those who can access PrEP. Prompt action is required to address the urgent need for PrEP scale-up in the CEE region. |
