Carlow councillor calls for the establishment of HIV prevention clinic in Carlow Town

Local Cllr. William Paton asks Carlow County Council Council to call on The Health Service Executive to set up a PrEP Clinic in Carlow Town.

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is taken by HIV negative people before having sex (pre-exposure) and after sex, to prevent HIV (this is called prophylaxis). PrEP has been shown in many studies to be safe, and when taken correctly, highly effective at preventing HIV. PrEP is the newest HIV prevention tool available and is best used in combination with other HIV prevention measures.

The nearest PrEP clinic to Carlow is Portlaoise and the clinic has a waiting list of over 125 clients who cannot gain access to PrEP.

In Ireland it remains illegal to purchase prescription medication online without a prescription.

The matter is due to come before the full meeting of Carlow County Council on Monday 11th September.