Adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains a challenge among young women in sub-Saharan Africa, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing HIV. A landmark study led by Dr. Jennifer Velloza (University of California, San Francisco) evaluates innovative interventions to improve PrEP adherence in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Key Findings:
- A randomized trial comparing two-way SMS check-ins vs. WhatsApp peer-support groups found no significant difference in adherence rates at 9 months.
- Secondary interventions, including drug-level feedback counselling and monthly issue-focused counselling, also showed minimal impact on adherence
- The study highlights the need for scalable, resource-efficient strategies and alternative PrEP formulations, such as long-acting injectables, to support adherence in real-world settings.
This research underscores the complexity of PrEP adherence and calls for tailored solutions that address social, behavioral, and structural barriers young women face.
