Implementing a Status-Neutral Approach to HIV in the Asia-Pacific
Nittaya Phanuphak, Reshmie Ramautarsing, Tanat Chinbunchorn, Rena Janamnuaysook, Supabhorn Pengnonyang, Krittaporn Termvanich, Pongthorn Chanlearn, Danai Linjongrat, Surang Janyam, Praphan Phanuphak
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Globally, "undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U)" and "pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)" have become crucial elements in HIV treatment and prevention programs. We reviewed the implementation of U=U and PrEP among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. RECENT FINDINGS: U=U and PrEP uptakes were limited and slow in the Asia-Pacific. Inadequate knowledge among health care practitioners and pervasive stigma towards individuals living with HIV and their sexual lives are key barriers for the integration of U=U into clinical practice. Paternalistic and hierarchical health care systems are major obstacles in PrEP implementation and scale-up. Countries with the most advanced PrEP implementation all use community-based, nurse-led, and key population-led service delivery models. To advance U=U and PrEP in the Asia-Pacific, strategies targeting changes to practice norm through wide-scale stakeholders' training and education, making use of online health care professional influencers, and utilizing financial mechanism should be further explored through implementation research.