This webinar examines approaches from Switzerland and the international context that aim to make access to PEP more accessible, faster and better tailored to individual needs. Our guests will provide insights into different models and share experiences from their day-to-day work.

Isaac Bodoch presents the Canadian ‘PEP in Pocket’ (PiP) approach. This model is based on providing particularly vulnerable individuals with a full one-month course of PEP as a precautionary measure, which they keep at home. In the event of potential HIV exposure, PEP can be started immediately – without the need for a time-sensitive visit to an A&E department or hospital. This significantly reduces key barriers such as loss of time, organisational hurdles and limited access to medical care. Since July 2024, ‘PEP in Pocket’ has been included as an option in the WHO’s HIV prevention guidelines. The WHO explicitly recommends prescribing and dispensing a full one-month course of PEP rather than partial or short-term prescriptions, in order to enable a rapid and effective start to treatment.

A second focus of the webinar is the Geneva model, presented by mediators from Aspasie, who report directly from their practical experience. Against the backdrop of cantonal differences regarding PEP/PrEP resources and existing support services, they highlight how access to PEP for sex workers in Geneva has been made significantly easier in practical terms. The webinar will address the specific challenges in the canton, the partnerships established with medical and social services, as well as experiences and feedback from the field. The focus will be on low-threshold, trust-based access and the central role of peer support and referral work.

The webinar is aimed at professionals working in prevention, counselling, medicine and community work, and invites participants to reflect on practical solutions for improving access to PEP for vulnerable groups.

Fees:

The event is free of charge for our members.

Fee for non-members: CHF 25. Please pay here.

Languages:

French/English (simultaneous interpreting)

For technical reasons, only the audio track of the original sound can be recorded until further notice. Simultaneous interpreting is therefore only available to participants attending the webinar live. Thank you for your understanding.