A pilot project from Dalhousie University is taking steps by ensuring PrEP, a pre-exposure medication for HIV, can be more accessible for residents in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Dr. Kyle Wilby, Dalhousie University's associate professor with the College of Pharmacy, is leading the PrEP rx project which will see pharmacists prescribing HIV preventive medication.

"The project is to bring PrEP rx which is pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, into community pharmacies so that the community pharmacist would be able to prescribe and manage the therapy for patients. PrEP rx is a really effective way to prevent HIV, and something that really helps high-risk communities get the care they need," said Wilby.

Currently, only physicians and nurse practitioners are able to administer the drug. By bringing it into pharmacies to be managed by pharmacists, the drug will be more accessible to community members, according to Wilby.

PrEP rx is only provided to somebody who tests negative for HIV, and taking it is one of the effective preventive measures.

"PrE provides that added protection to help reduce the transmission of HIV. Especially when HIV takes a really long time to show up in the patient. Someone can be transmitting it without even knowing," said Wilby.

Other preventive measures include practicing safe sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and getting tested regularly every three to six months.

The pilot study, which is enrolling 50 patients, is going to be in the process of completion within the next six to eight months. Currently, they are seeking 25 more patients. Some of the participant requirements for the study include having a valid Nova Scotia health card, and identifying as one of the target populations identified by PharmaCare.

The project is funded by a research grant from Shoppers Drug Mart.

Listen to the full interview below: