Use of PrEP increases by 2500% in Bahia in seven years

The search for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) increased by 26 times in Bahia between 2018 and 2025 – in percentage terms, a growth equivalent to more than 2500%. These numbers are from the PrEP Panel, prepared by the Ministry of Health. PrEP is a medication used for HIV prevention, usually taken in pill form. Currently, the state has 4,965 regular users. In 2018, the year it started being distributed by the Unified Health System (SUS), there were 190 registered individuals. Compared to only the first nine months of that year, the jump from then to now exceeds 3200%. The medication is indicated for anyone aged 15 and over who does not have HIV but is at risk for the virus, such as those who frequently refrain from using condoms in sexual relations (whether anal or vaginal), those who repeatedly use PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to HIV), and those with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If used correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV by up to 90%.