Prevention

HIV prevention no longer relies on a single method. Today there is a whole toolkit of effective options — and the best strategy is to combine them according to each person's situation. This page reviews every scientifically proven method.

Condoms

Condoms remain one of the most accessible and effective prevention methods. Used correctly and every time, they protect not only against HIV but also against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy.

• There are external (male) and internal (female) condoms;
• Use a water- or silicone-based lubricant — never oil-based, which damages latex;
• Check the expiry date and keep condoms away from heat.

Condoms are available free of charge at many health centres and through the organisations on the Services page.

PrEP — pre-exposure prophylaxis

PrEP is medication taken by HIV-negative people at higher risk to prevent infection. It contains antiretroviral drugs that stop the virus before it can establish itself in the body.

• Taken correctly, it reduces the risk of sexual transmission by more than 90%;
• It can be taken daily or, in some cases, "on demand";
• It requires regular HIV testing and medical monitoring.

PrEP is recommended for people with multiple partners, serodiscordant couples (where one partner has HIV) and other higher-risk groups. Talk to a doctor about whether PrEP is right for you.

PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis

If you think you have already been exposed to HIV — a broken condom, unprotected contact with someone of unknown status, sexual assault, an accidental needle-stick — PEP can prevent infection.

• It must be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure;
• It is a 28-day course of treatment;
• The earlier you start, the more effective it is.

PEP is a medical emergency. Go to a specialised centre or emergency department immediately.

Treatment as prevention (U=U)

A person with HIV who is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually. This is the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) principle. Ensuring that everyone with HIV can access treatment is therefore one of the most powerful community-level prevention strategies.

Harm reduction for people who inject drugs

For people who inject drugs, HIV risk comes from sharing injecting equipment. The proven solutions:

• Needle-exchange programmes — provide sterile needles and syringes, free of charge;
• Always use sterile equipment, never shared;
• Substitution therapy (e.g. methadone) reduces injecting and the associated risks;
• Regular testing and access to PrEP.

These services are confidential and non-judgemental.

Preventing mother-to-child transmission

A woman with HIV can have a healthy, HIV-negative baby. The essential steps:

• HIV testing during pregnancy — recommended for all pregnant women;
• Antiretroviral treatment throughout pregnancy;
• Specialist care at birth and, where appropriate, alternatives to breastfeeding.

With these measures, the risk of transmission falls below 2%.

Preventing other sexually transmitted infections

HIV often occurs alongside other STIs (syphilis, gonorrhoea, hepatitis). Condoms, regular testing and vaccination (for example against hepatitis B and HPV) reduce these risks.

In short

There is no single "perfect" solution. The best prevention combines several methods: regular testing, condoms, PrEP for those at higher risk, PEP in an emergency, and treatment for everyone with HIV. Get tested and talk to a specialist about what suits you.