PrEP: An effective and convenient 'three-in-one' HIV prevention model

SKĐS - In the midst of modern life, when mental health and secret worries are increasingly concerned, the PrEP model appears as a gentle, bright door, opening the way for those who are confused about the risk of HIV or are living with this disease.

PrEP – A 'three-in-one' HIV prevention model amid complex migration

Since the first HIV infection was detected in Ho Chi Minh City in 1990, Vietnam has recorded about 267,000 people living with HIV by the end of 2024. In 2024 alone, the country will have 13,351 new infections and 1,905 deaths. These figures show that the HIV epidemic is still complicated, requiring more effective and accessible prevention models.

Not only has the number increased, the pattern of HIV infection has also changed dramatically. From being mainly transmitted through blood among drug users 10–15 years ago, sexual transmission now accounts for 73.6% of new infections (2024), peaking at 82.8% in 2022. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the highest risk group, accounting for over 40% of new infections each year, with both prevalence and syphilis infection rates increasing.

The situation is most concentrated in the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions, which account for nearly 70% of new infections in 2024. In addition, the Northern mountainous regions and the Central Highlands are also emerging as new warning points.

In this context, the need for a safe, accessible, and sustainable HIV prevention "shield" is more urgent than ever. And PrEP is the typical model that fully meets those three factors.

PrEP – the science and power of “three in one”

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) is a method of using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) before a potential exposure, helping to prevent the virus from entering and multiplying in the body. When used correctly, PrEP is over 95% effective in preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection - a number confirmed by the WHO, the US CDC and many international organizations.

The PreEP model opens up treatment options for HIV-infected patients.

The effectiveness of PrEP lies in three core points:

1. Proactive protection

Unlike PEP, which is only used after exposure, PrEP is a "safety belt" that helps users feel secure against unpredictable risks in life. This is especially important for MSM, people with many sexual partners, or people living in high-endemic areas.

2. Flexible, discreet approach

PrEP is now available in hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies, mobile vans, and even via telepresence (TelePrEP).

3. Multi-benefit combination

PrEP also opens the door to access to services: regular HIV testing; STI screening (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.); safe sex counseling; treatment connection when testing positive. That is why PrEP is considered a "three-in-one" model: prevention - care - psychological support.

According to statistics from the Department of Disease Prevention - Ministry of Health, Vietnam has currently expanded PrEP treatment to nearly 130,000 people. In 2023, Vietnam will be recognized by WHO as the leading country in Asia Pacific in PrEP treatment.

TelePrEP – a modern piece of the puzzle that helps PrEP 'touch' more people

Among the forms of PrEP implementation, TelePrEP (remote PrEP) is emerging as one of the most applicable models, addressing many barriers that users often encounter: shame, fear of revealing identity, reluctance to go to medical facilities, or lack of time.

TelePrEP is like a “mini-clinic” in the user’s phone. The journey begins with an in-person visit at a health facility, where users are tested for HIV, have a general health check-up, and receive a risk assessment. This is the only step that requires a face-to-face meeting, to ensure everything is set up safely from the start.

After that, every follow-up visit becomes more seamless. Users can chat with medical staff via phone, video call or the facility’s own consultation platform. Doctors still closely monitor the patient’s health, but in a discreet, flexible and modern way.

PrEP is also available in convenient ways: at a pharmacy near your home, at a local health facility, or even delivered to your door. No crowds, no waiting, just choose the method that works best for you.

Regular testing, an important part of PrEP, is connected to nearby labs. Users do not need to return to the primary care facility, but results are still sent back to the system for full follow-up by doctors.

All supported by an electronic monitoring system: reminders for medication, test dates, and alerts for unusual signs. TelePrEP is like a silent companion, so you never have to struggle alone.

The most important thing about PrEP, whether used directly or via TelePrEP, is not only its near-absolute prevention effectiveness, but also the feeling of being empowered to protect yourself.

Illustration photo

PrEP alleviates anxiety, reduces stigma, and helps young people feel more confident in their choices. Couples can build trust. People living in high-endemic areas have more hope. More than a pill, PrEP is an affirmation: everyone deserves to live safely, healthily, and free from the shadow of HIV.

Of course, PrEP, like any health service, is not without its challenges. Users still need to get tested for HIV regularly to ensure their safety. Medical data needs to be kept strictly confidential. Funding for PrEP needs to be maintained as international aid dwindles.

Health and Life Newspaper in collaboration with the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) launched the 'National Press Award on HIV/AIDS prevention and control'.

The National Press Award on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control is an award organized by the Health & Life Newspaper in collaboration with the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health), to honor outstanding press works that truly reflect typical individuals and groups in all regions of the country in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

RULES OF THE "NATIONAL PRESS AWARD ON HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL" ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1. Name of the Award

"National Press Award on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control"

Article 2. Topics

Outstanding individuals and groups from all over the country in the fight against HIV/AIDS; vividly reflecting the efforts and contributions of groups and individuals in propaganda, prevention, care, treatment and support for people infected with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable groups; contributing to eliminating stigma and discrimination, spreading the spirit of humanity and community responsibility.

Article 3. Contestants

All Vietnamese citizens aged 18 and over, living in and outside the country. Members of the Organizing Committee, Jury, and Secretariat are not allowed to participate.

Article 4. Regulations on contest entries

1. Genre:

- Reportage, memoir, notes, portrait

- Photo: Reportage with at least 10 photos, telling a story through images on a topic related to HIV/AIDS.

- Television, multimedia: Television programs, documentaries on traditional platforms (TV) or electronic platforms, social networks.

2. Form of expression:

Entries can be in many different forms:

- In traditional form (article, video) In new form: Infographic, emagazine, megastory, longform... or combine many forms in one work to best convey the content, message and meaning of the work.

Note:

We do not accept works in the genre of news or regular events related to HIV/AIDS. All works must have a specific topic, be in-depth, have clear ideas and characters.

Do not use fictional characters; do not use special effects to change content or images; do not use artificial intelligence to create works.

3. Contest conditions of the work

- Eligible works must be published and broadcast from July 10, 2024 to November 20, 2025.

- For cases that have not been published or broadcast: The Organizing Committee will select to publish on the Health and Life Newspaper and the Newspaper's ecosystem.

- The Organizing Committee has the right to disqualify incomplete or non-compliant applications.

- The Organizing Committee will not return unqualified works.

4. Application documents

- Author/group information: Full name, pen name (if any), date of birth, gender.

- Contact information: Permanent address, phone number, email.

- Work unit (if any).

- Data to be submitted when participating in the contest:

+ Electronic newspaper: electronic newspaper link.

+ Television: Audio and video with script/narration.

+ Press photos: high resolution original image files, full captions.

- How to submit entries: submit your entry online via the website: https://giaibaochi2025.skds.vn

Article 5. Rights and responsibilities

1. Author

- Responsible for copyright, accuracy and legality of the work.

- Agree to let the Organizing Committee use the work for propaganda, exhibition, and publication (with the author's name clearly stated) in the media and press.

2. Organizing Committee

- Information security, public and transparent scoring and selection.

- Have the right to use the contest entry for communication purposes, not for commercial purposes.

Article 6. Time and address for receiving works

- Time of receipt: From the launch date to November 20, 2025 (calculated from the time of online submission).

- Receiving address: Send online via https://giaibaochi2025.skds.vn.

Article 7. Prize structure

- Award-winning works are divided into 3 groups, each group includes 4 award levels.

+ Written works

+ Group of photographic works

+ Television and multimedia group

- Total of 12 prizes, including:

+ 03 First Prizes: each prize is worth 20,000,000 VND

+ 03 Second Prizes: each prize is worth 12,000,000 VND

+ 03 Third Prizes: each prize worth 8,000,000 VND

+ 03 Consolation Prizes: each prize worth 5,000,000 VND

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/prep-mo-hinh-du-phong-hiv-ba-trong-mot-hieu-qua-va-thuan-tien-169251109214609769.htm