South Middlesex Times

People at risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact can significantly reduce their chances of infection by up to 99% with the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral medication, when taken as prescribed. However, many women are either unaware of PrEP or do not consider it necessary for themselves.

The François-Xavier Bagnoud Center at Rutgers School of Nursing, with support from a grant provided by the New Jersey Department of Health Division of HIV, STD and TB Services, has launched the "Take PrEP & Take Charge" campaign to increase awareness among women. Andrea Norberg, Executive Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center (FXB Center), and Judith Collins, Marketing Manager at FXB Center, emphasize the importance of educating women about PrEP's benefits and relevance.

According to recent data, women represent over 20% of new HIV diagnoses in New Jersey. More than 80% of these cases among women are linked to heterosexual contact with male partners.

Judith Collins explained that the campaign aligns with New Jersey’s plan to end HIV: “A Strategic Plan to End the HIV Epidemic in New Jersey by 2025.” This plan was introduced in 2021 with a goal to reduce new HIV infections by 75%. The campaign focuses on increasing access to testing, treatment, and prevention. It targets Black and Hispanic/Latina heterosexual cisgender women over 18 residing in Newark, East Orange, Irvington, Paterson, Jersey City, Union City, North Bergen, Elizabeth and Plainfield. The initiative began on July 1 and includes advertising through local billboards, NJ Transit buses and Light Rail cars, PATH station ads as well as digital marketing efforts.

Andrea Norberg highlighted why the focus is on women: “Recent data shows that women account for greater than 20% of new HIV diagnoses in New Jersey... Most women do not know what PrEP is... We want the women to know the risk... and that PrEP is an available and viable prevention option for them too.”

The campaign also aims to address stigma associated with HIV. "HIV-related stigma is a barrier that prevents people... from accessing care," said Norberg. The goal is part of a broader effort to decrease new infections by 75% by 2025.

PrEP is recommended for individuals who do not have HIV. It comes in forms such as a daily pill or bimonthly injection. "With PrEP," Norberg added, "more women can take charge of their sexual health." Insurance plans often cover PrEP costs; assistance programs exist for those without coverage.

This initiative coincides with findings presented at the International AIDS Society’s annual conference regarding promising results from studies evaluating twice-yearly injections as a potential means for reducing new infections among adolescent girls and young women.

Women are encouraged to consult healthcare providers about suitable PrEP methods. The campaign's website offers resources for finding inclusive healthcare providers in New Jersey and information on assessing if PrEP is appropriate for them.