International News

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

From U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update. Visit the CDC's website to find out more about their activities, publications and services.

More HIV News

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Begin HIV Treatment

Getting to Undetectable: People Living With HIV Share Their Stories

HIV Management Today: Mental Health & HIV, the Uncharted Territory

Get TheBody.com in the Palm of Your Hand

Day One With HIV: "I Had Never Actually Met Anyone Who Was Positive"

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, 500 5th Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10110. 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.