Equity and Access in HIV Prevention
Addressing Global Disparities in PrEP Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Population
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21748360 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sijia Li (0009-0008-7661-2122, Hong Kong Baptist University), Alex Siu Wing Chan (0000-0003-4420-8789, Hong Kong Baptist University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 15579883251405699-15579883251405699 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journal of Men s Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1557-9883 • E-ISSN: 1557-9891 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/15579883251405699 |
| PMID | 42178143 |
| OpenAlex | W7162260259 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 88 |
Despite proven efficacy in preventing HIV, the global uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains limited and uneven, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). A meta-analysis by Zhao et al. reveals that only 20% of PrEP-eligible MSM have ever used the medication, with stark disparities across regions and income levels. While uptake has increased over time, significant barriers persist, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These barriers include financial constraints, limited health care infrastructure, provider knowledge gaps, and pervasive stigma, which together impede equitable access to PrEP. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America, MSM face challenges related to health care access, while younger MSM and marginalized groups, including transgender individuals, are particularly underserved. This viewpoint calls for global strategies that address these inequities through targeted, evidence-based interventions that focus on reducing systemic barriers and incorporating intersectional approaches. To scale up PrEP access and ensure equitable HIV prevention, multilevel strategies are necessary, involving policy changes, provider training, community-led initiatives, and youth-centered outreach. Addressing the financial, structural, and social determinants of health is essential for bridging these gaps and ensuring that PrEP fulfills its potential as a global tool for HIV prevention
Global health · Health equity · Latin Americans · Men who have sex with men · Population · Psychological intervention · Transgender · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Sex work and related issues
Efficacy, safety, and effect on sexual behaviour of on-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in men who have sex with men
Stigma, HIV Risk, and Access to HIV Prevention and Treatment Services Among Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) in the United States
The impact of stigma and sexual identity on PrEP awareness and use among at-risk men who have sex with men in four U.S. cities (HPTN 078)
PrEP uptake and persistence amongst HIV-negative women who exchange sex for money or commodities in Kampala, Uganda
The early-stage comprehensive costs of routine PrEP implementation and scale-up in Zambia
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men
What do we know about interventions to reduce intersectional stigma and discrimination in the context of HIV? A systematic review
Barriers and Facilitators to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Community Stakeholders in Malaysia
Policymakers’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives on the introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for key populations in Ghana
Perspectives on long-acting formulations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men who are non-adherent to daily oral PrEP in the United States
Condom failure and pre-exposure prophylaxis use experience among female sex workers in Ethiopia
Increased condom use among key populations using oral PrEP in Kenya
Socio-behavioral correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis use and correct adherence in men who have sex with men in West Africa
Slow Uptake of PrEP
PrEParing for NextGen
Awareness of, Willingness to Take PrEP and Its Actual Use Among Belgian MSM at High Risk of HIV Infection
Strategies to Close the PrEP Uptake Gap Among Transgender People and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Tshwane, South Africa
Stigma, Social Cohesion, and HIV Risk Among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Two Cities in Zimbabwe
Combination Microfinance and HIV Risk Reduction Among Women Engaged in Sex Work
| Highly cited | No |
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