Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for the Primary Prevention of HIV in At-Risk Women: Empowerment and Equity Revisited

Women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic’s impact. The last three years have witnessed the explosive emergence of pre-exposure prophylaxis as a viable, woman-initiated, and woman-controlled candidate for the primary prevention of HIV in women. These developments have proven particularly significant for at-risk women in environments where negotiation of safe sex is difficult. In this review, we trace the recent evolution of the pre-exposure prophylaxis vision for women, delineate the clinical trials that made it all possible, and discuss ongoing efforts required for its full actualization.