title: World Health Organization Guidelines on Postexposure Prophylaxis for HIV: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.
abstract: The 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) developed recommendations for PEP irrespective of exposure source in recognition of the need to simplify eligibility assessment and prescribing practices. Traditionally, separate PEP guidelines have been developed according to exposure type, with difference guidelines for occupational exposure, nonoccupational exposure, and sexual assault. Recognizing the need to improve uptake and completion rates for PEP, the WHO 2014 guideline does not differentiate between exposure sources, but rather provides recommendations across all exposures. Recommendations for simplifying prescribing approaches and supporting adherence are also provided. In translating this guidance into national PEP guidelines, countries are encouraged to consider the need to provide PEP in a way that maximizes uptake and completion rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.affiliation: Fenway Health, The Fenway Institute Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; D011634:Public Health; D012742:Sex Offenses; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: HIV; World Health Organization; guidelines; postexposure prophylaxis