An important HIV medication app is being expanded to help more people in Wales. PreP, or pre-exposure prophylactic, is a medication commonly given to gay men and other 'high risk' groups of people to ensure they are not at risk of contracting HIV. The drug is currently free to people in Wales and is widely available. If used correctly, the drug is over 99% effective at preventing sexual transmissions of the virus.
However, in order to be effective, users must take the medication at the right time. The app generates users a schedule and creates reminders for the user when their dose is due to be taken, as well as signposting app users to helpful information and resources. Preptrack has now re-launched with the help of Public Health Wales with options for users to navigate the app using Welsh.
In Wales there has been a major group effort in ensuring that HIV prevention, care and support services are up to scratch. In 2020, Cardiff became a Fast Track City, a joint initiative which is dedicate to ending transmissions of the virus along with 300 cities and municipalities by 2030.
Zoe Couzens, programme lead for sexual health at Public Health Wales, said: “Preptrack is a practical solution that means that PrEP users can be confident that they are taking their medication in the most effective way. Public Health Wales is delighted to be able to support the expansion of Preptrack into the Welsh language, and also for Android devices, as making the app available for as many people as possible will help support PrEP use as part of the measures to prevent transmission of HIV. Increasing use of PrEP is a key part of the new HIV Action Plan for Wales, and making Preptrack more accessible will support that.”
The app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. The app will rely on user-provided information to track PrEP use. It is not a medical device and does not directly monitor HIV protection. More information surrounding the app can be found here.
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