"Not enough young people know about "PrEP' anti-HIV infection pill" says concerned KZN Health MEC, as she urges youth to use condoms, other contraceptives and PrEP to stay healthy

28 June 2022

KwaZulu--Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane is concerned that not enough young people use condoms, family planning methods, or the relatively new Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) pill, which is highly effective at preventing HIV infection.

According to 2021 figures from Statistics South Africa, the total number of people living with HIV countrywide is estimated at approximately 8,2 million. The Province of KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 2,02 million or 18,23 % of that, which is the highest. Among adults aged 15-49 years, an estimated 19,5% of the population is HIV positive, with about 1 300 adolescent girls and young women (aged 10-19) getting infected with HIV in the country every week.

But in KwaZulu-Natal, only 99 549 people are currently enrolled on PrEP.

While MEC Simelane has vowed that the Department will strengthen its efforts to promote PrEP, she has also urged young people to protect themselves. She says young people must take advantage of the full basket of sexual reproductive health services that are available to them free of charge from clinics, community health centres and hospitals.

This includes male and female condoms, the birth control pill, the intrauterine device (IUD), injectables, and implants.

The MEC recently launched a Youth Health Zone at Cato Manor Community Health Centre, which is the first of many that will be established throughout the Province.

"We have done a lot to train our healthcare workers to be more welcoming and friendlier towards young people, and will continue to do so. As healthcare workers, it is important that when we are at work, we put aside our parental caps and acknowledge that we are providing a service to everyone, regardless of their age.

"If you're a nurse, even if you see someone that you know, it's not for you to say, "Hawu! So-and-so's child, what are you doing in that queue? What do you need condoms or contraceptives for? We can't be saying children must protect themselves on one hand, while chasing them away? If we do so, then where must they go? Such attitudes by a few bad apples in our system is what eventually drives children away, and then we get surprised when we end up with children with unplanned pregnancies and STIs, including HIV/Aids. This needs to change."

"Although we have what we call a "Happy Hour" for young people at some of our facilities, having looked at the system, we've realised that this is not enough. That is why we have come up with the concept of Youth Health Zones," said MEC Simelane.

Unpacking how the Youth Health Zones will work, MEC Simelane said:

• Our plan is that every clinic, Community Health Centre, and hospital will have a designated corner or area – the Youth Zone, as we call it - that must be available for use by young people.
• Each of these healthcare facilities, at any given time, will have a healthcare worker under the age of 35, who will be able to attend to the health needs of young people in a non-judgemental and welcoming manner.
• The Youth Health Zones will be co-ordinated by "youth cadres" who will act as a bridge between young people and the healthcare system.
• The Youth Zone must make it possible for young people to meet and freely discuss any matter - be it about life in general or health-related.

Turning her attention to PreP, during a dialogue with students at KwaGqikazi TVET College in Nongoma on Friday, MEC Simelane said: “It has come to our attention that PrEP is not well-known, despite its many huge advantages, especially in helping young people prevent getting infected with HIV/AIDS. It's extremely important that we discuss what PrEP is, how it works, and how young people can benefit from it."

PrEP is a combination of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV-negative people from getting HIV. It is important to note that PrEP only protects against HIV infection, not against pregnancy or other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

PrEP is available and accessible from all primary health care facilities and hospitals in the Province.

"We have noticed that when we've tried to promote PrEP on our social media pages, a lot of people indicate that they are not aware of it. Many are pleasantly surprised that ther is now a pill that can protect those who are vulnerable to HIV infection, including people who have multiple sex partners, those who do not trust their partners' sexual behavior, and sex workers, among others.

But there are also those who are cynical on social media, who dismiss PrEP as "a pill that you drink so that you don't have to drink another pill (ARVs)."

"The point that these people seem to be missing is that ARVs are for life; whereas, you can stop taking PrEP if you believe you're no longer at risk of infection."

Frequesntly-asked questions about PrEP

Can you use PrEP and oral contraception together? Yes. There would be no interaction or cross-interference between the two.

If I take PrEP, can I stop using condoms when I have sex? No. PrEP works best as part of a combination approach. It does not prevent STIs or unwanted pregnancy. PrEP is an extra HIV prevention option and should be used in combination with condoms. Using condoms is still the best way to prevent HIV infection. Condoms protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.

Is PrEP for me? Most adults can safely use PrEP, but a healthcare provider will need to determine if there is any reason why you should not take it. If your health care provider agrees that PrEP may reduce your risk of getting HIV, the next step is an HIV test. You must be HIV negative to start PrEP.

Where can I get PrEP? PrEP is available from all clinics, Community Health Centres and hospitals. If you feel you are at risk of acquiring HIV and would like to learn more about PrEP, visit your healthcare service provider.

Can I share PrEP with my HIV+ partner, or take my partner's HIV medications to help prevent HIV? Even if your HIV-positive partner is taking ART, it is important not to share your PrEP pills with your HIV-positive partner or to take your partner's HIV medications as PrEP. It;s easy to mix up pills, and this could lead to unexpected allergic reactions or side effects, or you or your partner might run out of medications when you need them. So, take precautions to avoid this.

Does PrEP have side effects? The most common side effects for PrEP include headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and loss of appetite. For most people, these will go away after a few weeks.