HIV/AIDS: Free preventive antiretroviral medication now available at Alexandroupoli University General Hospital
The University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli (P.G.N.A.) has joined the nationwide rollout of free preventive antiretroviral therapy (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. The initiative is part of a public health policy introduced by the Greek Ministry of Health under Article 68 of Law 4975/2022.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive medication regime provided to individuals who are HIV-negative but face an elevated risk of contracting the virus. The goal is to effectively curb the spread of HIV in high-risk populations.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for PrEP includes HIV-negative individuals who meet at least one of the following indicative criteria:
- Exposure to increased risk of HIV infection due to factors such as occupation, living conditions, underlying conditions, or sexual behavior
- Sexual contact with a partner who is HIV-positive
- Intravenous drug use
- Engagement in transactional sex
Prescription Conditions
PrEP is prescribed only after a negative HIV test and a screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as per the national PrEP Protocol. These tests are repeated every three months from the date of the initial medical referral.
Who Can Prescribe PrEP?
Only licensed physicians specializing in General/Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Dermatology-Venereology, or Obstetrics-Gynecology can prescribe PrEP. Prescriptions are made exclusively through the National Electronic Prescription System (ΣΗΣ).
Patient data is anonymized through a Pseudonymous Beneficiary Code, ensuring privacy and data protection. The prescription contains no personal identifiers aside from the anonymized code.
Where Is PrEP Available?
The program is currently operational at 24 public hospital pharmacies across Greece that already serve HIV-positive patients under antiretroviral treatment. The University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli is the latest to be added to the list.
This public health measure marks a significant step in preventive medicine and aligns with global strategies to reduce new HIV infections.
