Last December a generic form of PrEP, the HIV preventative drug, became available through pharmacies in Ireland for the first time ever. This is a huge step for the gay community in Ireland and one which must continue to evolve.

PrEP is a HIV prevention medication where HIV-negative individuals take anti-HIV medications before coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

The medication works to prevent HIV from establishing infection inside the body. PrEP has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection through sex for gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and heterosexual men and women, as well as among people who inject drugs.

While the drug doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI) or pregnancy and it is not a cure for HIV – users must continue to use condoms and undertake regular STI testing – it is still a huge step in the right direction for the gay community and in the fight against HIV.

Even with this progress, there is still a lot of work to do. We want to ensure that as many individuals as possible can avail of this HIV prevention method and we want to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of this new HIV prevention method so as to reduce stigma and keep our community protected.

Today, we’re launching a survey that talks to the fundamental reason why PrEP was developed – to help gay people to live active sexual lives without the fear of contracting HIV.

If you think PrEP is an important step for our community, we want to hear from you. Please click on the link below to answer this short 2-3-minute survey.

Completing the survey should take no more than 2-3 minutes.

In return for your participation, survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a €100 voucher for Suesey Street Restaurant, 26 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.

With Valentines Day around the corner, this prize would make a perfect date for you and someone special. All you need to do to win is fill out the survey.

Please visit your local healthcare provider to find out how you can avail of PrEP.

This survey is being conducted in partnership with TEVA Pharmaceuticals.

This competition has now closed, see our latest competitions here.