International News

United Arab Emirates: Sale of Drugs to Cut HIV Infection Allowed

From CDC National Prevention Information Network

November 7, 2008

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Health has approved the dispensing of eight antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) across the country, officials said recently. The drugs, if taken within 72 hours of exposure to the virus, can reduce the chances of HIV infection by about 79 percent.

PEP will be available only with a prescription and recommendation by health officials and/or the Ministry of Health.

"PEP is not 100 percent effective; it cannot guarantee that exposure to HIV will not become a case of HIV infection," Dr. Farida Al Hosani, senior regional officer for Public Health and Policies at Health Authority Abu Dhabi, said recently at a three-day HIV/AIDS workshop.

"We receive reports about the condition from people who had unsafe sex," Al Hosani said. A person who believes they have been exposed to HIV "should instantly contact us and we may give them an ARV to help reduce the chances" of infection, she said.

Back to other news for November 2008

Adapted from:
Gulf News (Dubai)
11.05.2008; Dina El Shammaa

Poor Prognosis Seen in TB Patients With Extensive Drug Resistance

South Africa: Is Circumcision Helping Against HIV?

This article was provided by CDC National Prevention Information Network. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.

More HIV News

10 Curious Questions Asked About HIV Transmission in 2013

10 HIV/AIDS Stories That Defined 2013 in the U.S.

When We Talk About HIV, Who Are We Not Talking About Enough?

Growing Older With HIV: What Concerns You Most?

Six Approaches to Improving Long-Term HIV Treatment Adherence

More >>

New! TheBody.com App

My Health Tracker

Medication and Health Reminders

Assess Your Risk for HIV

U.S. ASO Finder

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 750 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.