The use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) in Greece: Epidemiological situation and barriers to its implementation

The handling of the HIV pandemic in Greece has reached a critical point. Epidemiological data over the last decade show a halt in its declining rate. The Greek state established the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) hoping to boost the fight against HIV. This paper documents the necessity of implementing PrEP through analyzing the epidemiological indicators of the last decade in Greece and comparing them with other European countries, emphasizing the goals of the Joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Strategies are then proposed to overcome the obstacles arising from the economic, political and social conditions in the implementation of PrEP in Greece. The data were searched from the international literature and from databases of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UNAIDS, the European Center for Disease Prevention (ECDC) and the National Public Health Organization of Greece (EODY). Until the definitive treatment of HIV with the preparation of the corresponding vaccine and taking under consideration the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs, it is concluded that carrying out prevention programs is the only way to handle the pandemic further. Following the example of many EU countries by implementing prevention programs, such as PrEP, Greece can achieve the goals of the Joint United Nations program until 2030.