Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe says the ministry is undertaking a comprehensive review of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) and doxycycline prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) through its HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit, in alignment with global public-health guidance.

His response follows a November 26 Newsday report in which several public health experts and advocates called for expanded access to HIV and STI prevention tools, specifically PrEP and DoxyPEP, to address rising HIV and STI cases, including a sharp increase in syphilis among pregnant women.

Bodoe said the review includes an assessment of the clinical benefits, behavioural considerations, cost implications and best practices from countries where these treatments are already in use.