“Pre” is something that you do before a risk of “exposure” (HIV in this case) and “Prophylaxis” can be explained as a treatment or an action that can be taken to prevent a disease.
Anyone who is sexually active, HIV negative and is at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.
PrEP only protects you against HIV. You need to take other precautions, such as condoms, to reduce contracting other sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis. PrEP should always be taken as an additional prevention strategy and in combination with the correct and consistent use of condoms.
PrEP is very effective for preventing HIV. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. For persons who inject drugs, it reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. See your health provider at the nearest clinic for more information on PrEP.