Addressing Gender to Ensure Effective PrEP Introduction

The existence of PrEP alone will not alter the underlying gender inequalities that make women and girls vulnerable to HIV. As new HIV prevention methods are rolled out, women, girls, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people will face barriers to product access and use that stem from cultural norms, lack of power in relationships and society and limited access to resources. Gender analyses conducted in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe identified ways to address these potential barriers during PrEP introduction. Most critically, PrEP introduction plans must prioritize a rights-based, positive approach that normalizes the use of the new products and makes them available to those who need them most.