Digital HIV PrEP service launches in East Sussex

A digital HIV PrEP service has launched in East Sussex, giving users access to necessary tests and preventative medication for HIV without having to visit a clinic.

The free service, which went live on 6 August 2024, is a collaboration between East Sussex County Council, remote diagnostic provider Preventx, not-for-profit community interest company The Love Tank CIC, and LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

With health experts warning of long-standing barriers to access and missed opportunities for HIV PrEP initiation, the new service is expected to help improve equity of access to the preventative medicine and achieve the government’s aim of zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

Dr Vanessa Apea, NHS sexual health consultant and medical director at Preventx, said that improving access to HIV PrEP is “a vital step towards ending transmissions of HIV in England”.

“For some people, cultural taboos and stigmas, or time-consuming journeys to clinics, prevent them from accessing HIV PrEP, and put the UK’s 2030 goal at risk.

“Offering people a choice of ways to access HIV PrEP is really important, and we are proud to launch this new service for the people of East Sussex,” Dr Apea said.

Users wishing to access the service will complete an online triage followed by a preliminary telephone call with a clinician. If suitable they will be sent an at-home sampling kit, allowing them to undertake necessary tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C.

If the HIV test comes back negative, the user will then be sent a renal function test along with a one-month prescription of HIV PrEP.

If the renal test is within normal range, they will be offered up to a six-month prescription for HIV PrEP.

Users will then be able to order repeat prescriptions online, which will be posted to them.

HIV PrEP, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is recommended by the NHS for those more likely to be involved in behaviours that increase the risk of HIV transmission.

Darrell Gale, director of public health for East Sussex, added: “We are delighted to be working with Preventx to make it even easier for residents to access the HIV PrEP pill which, if taken properly, is nearly 100% effective against contracting HIV.

“People’s work lifestyles, caring responsibilities and stigma can be a real barrier to using traditional face to face health services to access HIV PrEP.

“By offering HIV PrEP online, we hope to make it easier for those people unable to access the face-to-face service to avoid getting HIV.”

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust sexual health services began offering HIV PrEP medication online in December 2023, for existing patients who meet certain clinical guidelines and are residents in the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Haringey and Barnet.

Meanwhile in 2023, sexual health provider Inform Health announced a series of enhancements to its HIV offering, including harnessing new PrEP functionality.