Council launches free online HIV prevention service for residents
The new service offers free access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective medication for people who are HIV negative. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is more than 99% effective at preventing HIV through sex.
Commissioned by Lewisham Council, the service allows eligible residents to complete the entire PrEP process online. This includes a digital consultation, at-home testing, clinical review and medication delivered directly to their door.
The service has been introduced to give residents greater choice over how they access sexual healthcare, helping to remove barriers for people who may find it difficult to attend a clinic in person.
The online service complements Lewisham's existing sexual health provision, ensuring residents can choose the option that works best for them while enabling clinics to focus on people who need face-to-face care and specialist support.
Cllr Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, said:
"Everyone should be able to have a healthy sex life and get the healthcare they need in a way that feels right for them.
“This new digital PrEP service makes it easier, more convenient and more discreet for residents to access highly effective HIV prevention medication, without having to attend a clinic in person.
“People can now complete the whole process online, including choosing a home testing kit that they can use in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
“Tackling health inequalities is one of my top priorities, and this service helps us do that by reducing stigma and removing some of the barriers that can stop people getting sexual health support.
“I’m incredibly proud that in Lewisham we are prioritising preventative healthcare and we are making it easier for our residents to take control of their sexual health. This is an important step in our work to end new HIV transmissions for good."
The service is delivered by Preventx, the UK's largest provider of remote sexual health diagnostics and digital sexual health services.
Residents using the service will receive support from Preventx's specialist clinical team, including online assessments, at-home HIV, STI, hepatitis B and kidney function testing, remote prescribing and ongoing clinical advice. PrEP medication is delivered directly to service users.
Visit lewisham.sh.uk to find out more.