HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmitted through risky sexual exposure or sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other drug injection equiplnent leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) for which there is no effective cure. However, proper medical care can control the virus. Only certain body fluids can transmit the virus of HIV — blood, semen, rectal fluids and vaginal fluids.
To control the transmission, Indian government distributes condoms, provides antiretroviral therapy (to prevent parent-to-child transmission). PrEP medications (pre-exposure prophylaxis through private sector) is available for the last 12 years. Still, it has not been sufficiently exploited.
A new drug (injectable) called lenacapavir has emerged as an effective PrEP medication, of which two doses are given, six months apart. It provides 99.9 per cent HIV shield and has received approval from the US FDA. It is highly useful as prophylaxis for healthcare workers and caretakers vulnerable to HIV virus.
The drug is expensive — costs Rs. 24 lac ($28,218) per person. The government can charge full cost from those who can afford, subsidize it for some, and make it free for those who cannot afford it.
Even self-testing HIV kits are not available in India since the government fears about their effect on the mental health of people after a positive result.
UNAIDS has urged Gilead Lifesciences to reduce the price of the new HIV preventing shot.
If enough PrEP is present in the body when a person is exposed to HIV, it is highly effective at preventing the virus from taking hold and establishing a lifelong infection.
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