1. Module 4: ORAL PrEP PROVISION FOR AGYW: GETTING STARTED
Version: December 2018

2. Outline of training Module 1: Introduction to oral PrEP
PrEP: the basics
What is combination prevention?
How effective is oral PrEP?
What are the differences among PrEP, PEP, and ART?
Overview of country-specific guidelines
Module 4: Oral PrEP provision for AGYW: getting started
Generating demand: reaching AGYW
Risk assessments
Addressing myths, misconceptions, and fears
Factors influencing decisions to initiate or stay on oral PrEP
Key issues to discuss with AGYW in relation to PrEP
Module 2: The provision of oral PrEP in the context of AGYW
Why oral PrEP for AGYW?
Adolescence: a dynamic time of change and transition
Providing oral PrEP in the context of adolescent- and youth- friendly services
Checking in with ourselves: our personal views and values about AGYW and oral PrEP
Unpacking youth-friendly services
Module 5: Monitoring, follow-up, and adherence support for AGYW on oral PrEP
Promoting adherence and retention for AGYW using oral PrEP
Frequently asked questions
Module 6: Wrapping up
Key take-home messages
Resources for providing oral PrEP to AGYW
PrEP - pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention
AGYW - adolescent girls and young women
Module 3: Important factors to consider when providing oral PrEP to AGYW
Combination prevention: related services and entry points to PrEP
Gathering the evidence: what have we learned about oral PrEP and AGYW?
Addendum: Initiation and clinical management of oral PrEP

3. Generating demand: reaching AGYW

4. Outreach and communication
Community education is critical. It reduces stigma of AGYW sexual activity, legitimises PrEP, dispels myths and misconceptions, and informs the community and key stakeholders, such as parents and caregivers.
National or Ministry of Health logos on IEC materials encourage trust.
People who influence young people’s thinking (e.g., popular role models, trusted adults, teachers, sports coaches) are important for legitimising and encouraging the use of oral PrEP.
Peer mobilisers, particularly other oral PrEP users, are critical for linking AGYW to services.
IEC materials about PrEP need to be widely available (e.g., through platforms such as “B-Wise” and “She Conquers”).*
*Add country specific information here

5. Is Oral PrEP for me? Young people need to:
Understand HIV prevention and that oral PrEP is one of several options.
Know where to get oral PrEP.
Understand that they will be counselled and tested for HIV, as oral PrEP is only for those who are HIV-negative.
Know that a person who tests HIV-positive will be supported and guided to HIV and ART services.
Feel confident that the services will be adolescent- and youth-friendly.
Outreach:
Needs to “speak” to young people (e.g., through language, images).
Can be through leaflets, posters, social media, peer education, or other forms.
Has an advantage when conducted by oral PrEP communicators and educators because they can explain, engage, and answer questions.
For more on demand generation, see: .

6. Is Oral PrEP for me? (cont.)
Don’t tell me what to do…ask me about what I need and support me to make an informed decision.
To consider oral PrEP as an option,
AGYW need basic information about PrEP in a medium that they relate to (see next slide for example).
A discussion about risk, prevention options, and personal levels of self-motivation and commitment pave the way to decision making for oral PrEP.

7. Key messages Is oral PrEP for me?
Taking a pill every day for ongoing protection from HIV might not be for everybody, but it is an excellent option for people at high risk of HIV infection. Most people can safely use oral PrEP, but a health care provider will need to determine if there is any reason why you should not take it.
Can I take oral PrEP for one night only?
No. You need to take the pill once
a day for at least 7 days* before you are fully protected.
How long do I take oral PrEP?
You take oral PrEP for as long as you feel at risk of HIV infection. It is not a lifelong medication. Speak with your doctor if you decide PrEP is no longer right for you.
How long does it take for oral PrEP to work?
It takes up to 7 days* to be fully protected. Oral PrEP must be taken daily! Also need to take it for 28 days after last sexual exposure when stopping PrEP
*Country specific information
South Africa changed its guidelines from 20 days to 7 days lead in time in Nov 2018 (as recommended by WHO)
Oral PrEP DOES NOT: Prevent other STIs or pregnancy, or protect you from HIV after exposure. PrEP reduces your risk before exposure.
Oral PrEP DOES: Reduce your risk of HIV infection by 90% if taken daily and correctly.

8. HIV counselling and testing: an important entry point to PrEP
Identifying opportunities to offer oral PrEP
Health care providers need to seek opportunities to discuss oral PrEP when risk or exposure to HIV is indicated, for example during:
HIV testing services
Contraception and abortion services
Safer conception services
STI management
Antenatal and postnatal services
Services related to rape, sexual abuse, and gender-based and sexual violence
Identification of alcohol or drug use/abuse
HIV counselling and testing: an important entry point to PrEP

9. Important points to consider:
What about the partners of potential oral PrEP users?
Does your service or site offer PrEP for partners, or other people not identified in your project/funding/targets?

10. Oral PrEP and age eligibility*
According to SA guidelines:
PrEP should not be provided to adolescents <35kg or <15 years of age who are not Tanner stage 3 (sexual maturity rating).
In May 2018, the FDA expanded the approval of PrEP to include adolescents.
Oral PrEP was previously approved in 2012 for those age 18 and older.
The new approval expands this indication to include adults and adolescents at risk for HIV who weigh at least 35 kilograms (77 pounds).
Replace with country specific information
South Africa National Guidelines: Guidelines for Expanding Combination Prevention and Treatment Options for Sex Workers: Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Test and Treat (T&T) DOH 11 May2016

11. Identification of AGYW who can benefit most from oral PrEP
Mmm… I don’t think this is for me.
Hey… I really want this. I can do this!
Although many sexually active AGYW in sub- Saharan Africa may be at “substantial risk” for HIV, it is critical to identify both candidates for oral PrEP and those who are interested in and motivated to use it.
Those who are at high risk but not interested in oral PrEP should be counselled on other HIV prevention services AND encouraged to return should they wish to discuss it further.

12. Key point
PrEP is user-driven: Young women’s understanding of their own risk and the protection oral PrEP offers will contribute to
their decision to use oral PrEP and
their commitment to use oral PrEP effectively. It will
also allow them to explore other risk-reduction options.

13. Risk assessments

14. Understanding and unpacking risk: creating opportunity for self-assessment
Oral PrEP provides the opportunity for AGYW to assess and understand their own risk or vulnerability to HIV.
Providers should explain the purpose of the risk discussion and be sensitive to the fact that it is personal, private, and intimate.
The assessment should be adapted according to a person’s sexual activities, preferences, and overarching context – NON-JUDGMENTAL.
It is very important not to make assumptions (e.g., AGYW may choose to engage in risky behaviours, be exposed to coercion or violence, engage in transactional sex out of necessity).
The process of assessing risk is not intended to exclude people but to be an entry point to appropriate prevention counselling.
See Attachment 4 for an activity to explore risk; Attachment 5 for tips for doing risk assessments

15. Risk assessment and sensitivity to language and assumptions
Do not assume that all AGYW are having vaginal sex (may be having anal sex).
Do not assume that AGYW have only one partner (may have more than one partner).
Be sensitive to diversity in relation to sexual preferences and gender identity, and to associated risks (e.g., LGBTIQA).
Be respectful and understanding about the complexities of sex and sexual relationships for AGYW – remember that this is a very personal and private matter, not always planned and not always within the control of AGYW.
LGBTIQA = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning and Allied
Attachment 5 for tips for doing risk assessments

16. Exploring and assessing risk
In the past 6 months, have you had vaginal or anal sex without a condom?
Are you aware of your own HIV status? When did you last test? Could you have been exposed to HIV since your last test?
Do you know your sexual partner’s HIV status? Are any of your sexual partners HIV-positive or of unknown HIV status? If your partner is HIV-negative, do you know when he or she was last tested?
Can you discuss condom use with your sexual partner/partners? What are the challenges?
Have you had an STI in the past year? How did you treat it?
At this point, are you planning to get pregnant/wanting to prevent getting pregnant? How do you prevent getting pregnant? If you are planning to get pregnant, do you know your partner’s HIV status?
Have you experienced verbal, sexual, or physical violence or any other type of controlling behaviour from a partner that might put you at risk of HIV?
Do you use drugs or consume alcohol? If so, how often and how much, and how does this affect your life?
Note: A sexual partner is anyone with whom you have had sex; may be one or more partners; and may be male, female, or genderqueer (non-binary, gender neutral). Sex may be vaginal or anal.

17. Exploring barriers with clients
What are your fears or worries about taking oral PrEP?
How can these be dealt with?
What support do you need?
Have you heard anything about oral PrEP that concerns you?

18. Addressing myths, misconceptions, and fears

19. Discussing myths/misconceptions/fears
GROUP
DISCUSSION
Discussing myths/misconceptions/fears
Group discussion:
What myths and misconceptions about oral PrEP have you come across?
Have you come across myths and misconceptions related to other products (e.g., ART? Certain contraception methods?)
How do you respond to these myths and misconceptions with your AGYW clients?
Why is it important to replace AGYW’s misconceptions with facts?  

20. Responding to myths and misconceptions How do you respond to the following? True? False? What information needs to be provided to clarify the statement?
Oral PrEP makes you nauseous all the time.
You won’t get pregnant if you use oral PrEP for a long time.
Oral PrEP leads to weight loss/gain.
If you take oral PrEP and become HIV-positive, then ART will not work.
Oral PrEP leads to ART resistance.
Some women lose hair when they use oral PrEP.
Oral PrEP causes vaginal dryness.
Also see Attachment 6 for frequently asked questions
Some women get unbalanced hormones and grow hair on their face and chest when they use oral PrEP.
Oral PrEP does not work if taken with alcohol and drugs.
Like ART, oral PrEP only works if taken for life.
Oral PrEP reduces the effectiveness of contraception.
Oral PrEP interferes with other HIV prevention efforts such as condoms and lubricants.
Oral PrEP reduces a person’s sex drive.

21. Responding to myths and misconceptions (cont.)
Issue
Points for discussion
Oral PrEP makes you nauseous all the time.
One of the side effects is nausea. Other mild side effects are headache and weight loss in the first month.
You won’t get pregnant if you use oral PrEP for a long time.
Oral PrEP does not affect your fertility (your ability to get pregnant).
Oral PrEP leads to weight loss/gain.
Weight loss is not a common side effect (shown in 3% of users).
If you take oral PrEP and become HIV- positive, then ART will not work; oral PrEP leads to ART resistance.
The risk of developing HIV drug resistance is very small (<0.1%), especially if clients adhere daily to oral PrEP and are routinely tested for HIV.
Some women lose hair when they use oral PrEP.
There is very little evidence that oral PrEP results in hair loss. Other factors such as constant braiding, aging, and a person’s biology can result in hair loss.
Oral PrEP causes vaginal dryness.
There is no link between oral PrEP and vaginal dryness. Other factors such as lack of arousal and aging may cause dryness.
Lubricants can be used to help with vaginal dryness.
Some women get unbalanced hormones and grow hair on their face and chest when they use oral PrEP.
Oral PrEP does not affect hormones and does not cause hair to grow on the face and chest.
– weight loss reported by 3% of those using Truvanda

22. Responding to myths and misconceptions (cont.)
Issue
Points for discussion
Oral PrEP does not work if taken with alcohol and drugs.
Oral PrEP can be taken alongside alcohol and drugs.
Adherence and effective use needs to be emphasised
Like ART, oral PrEP only works if taken for life.
Oral PrEP should be taken only as long as necessary. Some people use oral PrEP during seasons of risk and then go off.
Oral PrEP reduces the effectiveness of contraception.
Oral PrEP has no effect on any methods of contraception.
Oral PrEP interferes with other HIV prevention efforts such as condoms and lubricant.
Oral PrEP has no impact on the effectiveness of condoms and lubricants. Oral PrEP complements other prevention efforts but does not protect against STIs and pregnancy, so the correct and consistent use of condoms strengthens prevention.
Oral PrEP reduces a person’s sex drive.
There is no interaction between oral PrEP and one’s libido (i.e., sex drive). However, other factors may effect sexual pleasure, sex drive, or sexual performance (e.g., anxiety, alcohol consumption, lack of arousal).
Other

23. Factors influencing decisions to initiate or stay on oral PrEP

24. Influential factors
Health care providers should be sensitive to the following factors that may affect AGYW willingness to initiate and stay on oral PrEP:
Fear of HIV testing.
Explain the advantages of knowing one’s status, whether HIV-positive or HIV-negative.
Requires reassurance about support and treatment options if HIV-positive.
Addressing common concerns, myths, and misconceptions.
Overcoming fears of stigma (e.g., how to store/hide pills, whom to tell, what to tell).
The individual’s perception of her own risk and self-efficacy to prevent HIV.
The individual’s motivation and insight that this is her own responsibility and she is accountable to herself.
Other people’s views and perceptions (e.g., those of peers, partners, parents/family, community).
Availability of drugs, services, and support.

25. Disclosing PrEP use to partners
An important issue and discussion to have with AGYW:
Do I disclose my PrEP use to my partner?
How do we discuss this? What are my fears?
Do I fear loss of economic and social support? Fear intimate partner violence/rejection?

26. Key issues to discuss with AGYW in relation to oral PrEP

27. Guidance on issues to discuss with AGYW
The following three slides provide a summary of key issues to discuss with AGYW when explaining oral PrEP and helping them decide if it might be right for them.

28. Key issues to discuss with AGYW
What to discuss:
How to discuss it:
Assessment of client’s risk
Develop a clear picture of the client’s risk profile and lifestyle; make sure she understands how her lifestyle affects her risk profile.
HIV testing
HIV testing is an important entry point for PrEP. PrEP is for HIV-negative people. It is important to ensure PrEP users are HIV-negative, which is why it is important to test prior to initiation and at subsequent visits.
Combination prevention
Taken daily, oral PrEP is an additional prevention option. It should be used in combination with other prevention tools such as condoms, PEP, healthy lifestyles, treatment for STIs, medical male circumcision, and ART for partners living with HIV. REMEMBER: Counselling should highlight that oral PrEP should ideally be used with condoms.
Condom negotiation
Some AGYW may not be able to negotiate condom use. Discuss barriers and how these can be overcome. Condom use is not a precondition for oral PrEP use.
STIs
Oral PrEP does not protect against STIs. Regular testing for STIs is encouraged, regardless of PrEP use. REMEMBER: STIs may increase the risk of HIV acquisition.
Contraception/ fertility goals
Oral PrEP is not a contraceptive. Oral PrEP is safe to use with all contraceptive methods. Consult your country’s PrEP guidelines on how to proceed if the client becomes pregnant.
This is a list of several important topics to discuss with clients when explaining oral PrEP and helping them decide if it might be right for them, feel free to add to the list

29. Key issues to discuss with AGYW (cont.)
What to discuss:
How to discuss it:
Adherence (daily)
For oral PrEP to be effective, the pill must be taken every day. Adherence counselling is critical for full HIV protection.
Side effects
Some people get mild side effects when they start oral PrEP, but they generally go away after a few weeks. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, depression, and abnormal dreams. Clients may need extra support and encouragement to manage side effects in the first few weeks.
Intimate partner violence
People who have abusive or controlling partners may find it more difficult to take care of their sexual health and to adhere to oral PrEP. Ask about the client’s relationships and, for clients experiencing abuse, provide counselling and referrals when possible.
Talking to partners, family, friends, etc.
Deciding whether to tell anyone about PrEP use is a completely personal decision. Some people find it helpful to tell friends or family for support and so they can remind them to take the pill daily. Discuss with the client whether and how she would like to discuss PrEP with loved ones and how to overcome potential barriers to gaining their support.
Visit schedule
Explain the visit schedule for oral PrEP use. The client must return for follow-up visits at the first month, and then every three months* (as per national guidelines).
* Update based on country specific national guidelines

30. Key issues to discuss with AGYW (cont.)
What to discuss:
How to discuss it:
Starting and stopping
Starting: In South Africa,* there is a 7-day lead-in recommended for oral PrEP to be effective. During this time, additional prevention (male or female condoms, with lubrication if preferred) should be used.
Stopping: When stopping, oral PrEP should be used for 28 days after last sexual exposure for maximum protection.
Re-starting: When re-starting, once again have an HIV test and other screening by the health care provider and repeat the 7-day lead-in time.
Oral PrEP effectiveness
The effectiveness of oral PrEP is directly related to effective use and adherence. If taken as explained by the health care provider, it is highly effective (+90% as shown in research).
Effective use means taking oral PrEP daily, using additional protection (condoms) during the 7-day lead-in (in South Africa*), not skipping doses, and taking it for 28 days after the last sexual exposure when stopping.
Oral PrEP does not protect against STIs and pregnancy, so condom use is recommended with oral PrEP. When condom use is not possible, oral PrEP is still a highly effective prevention option.
* Replace based on country specific guidelines

31. OPTIONS Consortium Partners
Acknowledgements
This training package was developed by the OPTIONS Consortium.
If you adapt the slides, please acknowledge the source:
Suggested citation: “OPTIONS Provider Training Package: Effective Delivery of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Adolescent Girls and Young Women ”. OPTIONS Consortium, August (download date)
OPTIONS Consortium Partners
This program is made possible by the generous assistance from the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with PEPFAR under the terms of Cooperative Agreement No. AID-OAA-A The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.