A man who called himself Robert told publicly in the BBC radio 4 law in action programme that the preventive treatment post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was not widely available in the market and hence this led to the spread of HIV. He also said that he is seeking a judicial review of government policy on PEP.
But on the other hand the department of health rejected his claims by saying that there has been a large amount of information campaigns about PEP and guidelines. It was also said that the therapy was available to all in need.
This therapy contains a cocktail of drugs costing about 600 to 1000 pounds. If administered soon after exposure it is thought to be highly effective in preventing an individual contracting HIV. It is mainly given to health professionals who have been accidentally exposed to HIV.
This man was infected with HIV when the condom he was using broke and unknowingly infected another man. He said that he was not aware of PEP and has discovered its existence only now. He said that he was very furious that the treatment was not prescribed to him.
To his comment the department of health officials said that it had funded the Terrace Higgins trust to raise awareness of PEP among gay men. It had featured targeted advertisements in the gay press and leaflets and distributed in gay bars.
Dr. Trevor Stammers an expert on sexual health and vice chairman of the Christian medical fellowship said that a large number of people are repeatedly practising unsafe sex which led to the increase in the HIV cases.
If PEP were held in every casualty department and given out liberally then it was predicted that five years ago it would have worsened the problems of sexually transmitted infection.
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