Updated WHO guidelines for HIV PEP (July 2024)

23 July 2024. Related: Guidelines, HIV prevention and transmission.

WHO

On 22 July 2024, WHO published updated guidelines for HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240095137 (webpage)

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/378221/9789240095137-eng.pdf (PDF)

Overview

Despite advancements in testing and treatment, over one million people became HIV positive in 2022. This calls for a new focus on proven HIV prevention interventions such as HIV PEP.

WHO’s updated PEP guidelines prioritise broader access to PEP.

This includes community-based delivery and task sharing to overcome barriers such as stigma and to ensure timely access after exposure. PEP involves using antiretroviral (ARV) medication after potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

Rapid access to PEP is the most important factor in PEP effectiveness. PEP is most effective when initiated as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.

While a PEP regimen of two drugs can be effective, three drugs are preferred.

PEP is given as a 28-day prescription.

This guideline includes recommended drug regimens for adults, adolescents and children.