Pilot project aims to cut out spread of HIV

published on July 10, 2012 in Metro News

It’s not quite the HIV morning after pill, but a new pilot project in Vancouver hopes to help cut off the spread of the virus after high-risk exposures.

The Non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (NPEP) project was launched Monday by the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

For the next 18-months, people who have had a high-risk exposure to HIV/AIDS – whether through sexual contact or by sharing needles – will be able to access highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which is typically used to substantially reduce the viral load in HIV-positive patients.

According to Dr. Val Montessori, people who start HAART treatment within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV are 80 per cent less likely to become infected by the virus.

“Time really is of the essence,” said Montessori. “They can just walk in [to St. Paul’s Hospital] and the staff is ready to go. After 72 hours, the effectiveness falls off quickly.”

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Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.