Just 20% In The UK Know About PrEP, Poll Finds
December 7, 2022Despite its effectiveness at preventing HIV, new research has revealed that just 20% in the UK know about PrEP.
The drug reduces the risk of getting the virus from sex by 99% when taken correctly, though the findings from YouGov’s new polling, conducted on behalf of Terrence Higgins Trust, shows that ignorance about it is still rife.
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In fact, according to Gay Times, only a quarter of the British public know that an HIV-positive person cannot pass on the virus when on effective treatment.
The report also found 77% of people don’t know that England can end new HIV cases by 2030 as the government proposed on World AIDS Day in 2021.
Sexual health clinics and charities both stress the importance of knowing your status in order to achieve this goal.
Only 27% of people know that you can safely and accurately test for HIV without visiting a clinic. Home tests are available online and mean sexual health screenings can be complteted from the comfort of your own home.
Ian Green, the CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, previously said in an interview: “Testing is crucial as we work towards ending new cases of HIV by 2030 – but HIV stigma continues to be a barrier.
“HIV can affect anyone of any gender, sexuality, age, and ethnicity, that’s why it’s crucial that we normalize and promote HIV testing.
“Together we can get one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic and eradicate the stigma associated with the virus for good.”
Fieldwork for YouGov’s polling took place from October 31 to November 2, with a sample size of 2,088 adults across the UK.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Almost 90% Of Irish People Don’t Know What PrEP Is
PrEP to Be Distributed Across England in the Coming Months
Sadiq Khan Pledges To Make PrEP Treatment More Accessible
Majority Who Want PrEP Unable To Access It In England
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