Manitoba remains the only province in Canada to not provide any coverage for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily preventative medication for people living without HIV that, when taken once per day, reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by 99 per cent. In Manitoba, there are over 1,400 people living with HIV. In 2019 alone, 121 people tested positive; a 13 per cent increase from the previous year. Many of those who are at risk of acquiring HIV cannot afford its monthly cost of $300. Nine Circles has had clients who have requested PrEP, but couldn’t afford it, and later tested positive for HIV. This reality demonstrates how cost is direct barrier. Providing coverage for this important drug is essential to stop the spread of HIV in Manitoba.

Join us in calling for universal coverage of PrEP by signing our advocacy letter. Using all the tools available is the best path to prevent HIV transmission, and that includes PrEP.