Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is when people at high risk of HIV take antiretrovirals (ARVs) as a means of lowering that risk, is cost-effective in some settings.  Researchers from various countries conducted an analysis of 13 modeling studies, evaluating PrEP’s impact in various populations—including heterosexual couples, men who have sex with men (MSM), and injection drug users—and in different areas and countries, such as southern Africa, Ukraine, the United States and Peru. They published their findings in the journal PLOS Medicine.

The investigators found that giving PrEP to higher risk groups appeared to be the most cost-effective prevention strategy. They also found that behavioral change—such as change in number of sexual partners—as well as adherence to PrEP were key determinants to its effectiveness.

In a release, the study authors state that “the cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis is likely to depend on considerations such as cost, the epidemic context, pre-exposure prophylaxis programme coverage and prioritisation strategies, as well as individual adherence levels and pre-exposure prophylaxis efficacy estimates.”

To read the study, click here.

To read the release, click here.