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TRINIDAD and Tobago must expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and doxycycline prophylaxis (doxy-prep) to combat HIV and rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs), health experts say, warning political, cultural, and religious barriers are slowing progress.

Advocates speaking with Newsday on November 25 argue making these preventive tools widely available is not only a public health necessity but also a cost-effective strategy that empowers individuals to protect themselves.

Dianne Weekes, Coordinator of the National HIV Helpline, described PrEP and doxy-prep as “extremely important” in the fight against HIV and STIs but said previous government approaches failed to prioritise prevention.