Big Idea: Sustaining Momentum and Increasing Access to PrEP in Uncertain Times

Helping individuals start and stay on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical part of efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Investments in PrEP and HIV prevention not only help protect lives, but lower costs, save taxpayer dollars, and alleviate pressure on healthcare delivery systems. While other effective HIV prevention tools exist, including condoms and various risk reduction strategies, none are as effective or offer the same durability of protection as PrEP.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its estimates of the size of the U.S. population that can benefit from PrEP estimating that there are 2.2 million potential users. While PrEP use has increased — with nearly 600,000 people using it in 2024, according to AIDSVu — overall uptake remains limited. Persistent use is low among the populations with the greatest need, and significant inequities in access still exist. Moreover, many of the policies put in place to support PrEP access and use are under threat and there would be significant consequences if they were eliminated. One study found that a 3.3% annual reduction in PrEP use over the next decade could result in 8,618 new and avoidable HIV infections, with increased lifetime medical costs of over $3.6 billion. Threats to HIV prevention funding and policies to increase and support persistent PrEP use demand urgent action from stakeholders at all levels.

 

View the Big Idea in Brief.