The evidence supporting the use of Truvada for preventing HIV infection is well established, particularly for men who have sex with men. Clinical trials have demonstrated a protective effect over 90 per cent when used correctly. Use of PrEP is endorsed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the World Health Organization as a component of HIV prevention strategies, and it should in no way be considered a controversial intervention.
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In B.C., access to HIV treatment is provided provincially by the Ministry of Health PharmaCare program, while in most other provinces, insurers such as Blue Cross are expected to contribute to these costs. An insurance company denying access to a medication to prevent HIV infection, knowing they will be off the hook for covering the costs of HIV treatment in B.C. if an infection occurs, is nothing short of shameful.
Dr. Julio Montaner, Director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Dr. Mark Hull, Researcher at the AIDS Research Program, Medicine Attending at the 10C AIDS Ward
Nathan Lachowsky, Researcher with the BC-Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Attempts to deter distracted driving welcome
Re: Hard line taken on distracted drivers, May 10
A very close dear friend and his wife were killed more than a year ago when their vehicle was hit by a delivery truck while its driver was texting with friends on a social media site with his handheld device. My friend’s three kids survived the collision.
I welcome the new set of fines and penalties the B.C. government introduced for distracted drivers. They may not be enough to serve as a strong deterrent, but regardless, they won’t bring my friend and his lovely wife back from the dead, both of whom I miss dearly, while his kids grow up without their parents’ love and support.