Resources

PrEP is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent HIV, yet many people still have questions about what it is, who it is for, and how it fits into their lives. Can you take PrEP if you are on gender-affirming hormone therapy? Does it have side effects? And why do so many transgender and gender-diverse people still face barriers to accessing it? We consulted the IPPF International Medical Advisory Panel to answer some of the most common questions we have received from the community about PrEP, from how it works and who can benefit from it, to the realities of navigating HIV prevention, healthcare systems, and gender-affirming care. Whether you're considering PrEP yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious, here's what you need to know. What is PrEP?  PrEP refers to the use of antiretroviral medication by people not infected with HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV (1). PrEP is used during periods when individuals believe they are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. There are different delivery methods and regimens, with new methods also in development. Currently available options include an oral pill, a vaginal ring, and long-acting injectables.  Who should use PrEP?  PrEP is appropriate for anyone who perceives themselves to be vulnerable to HIV and wishes to reduce their risk of HIV infection through use of medications (1).  Are there side effects to PrEP?  Like all medications, PrEP may be associated with side effects in some people. The most common side effects are temporary, and can include nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, headache, feeling dizzy or weak, and trouble sleeping. Side effects from injections can include bruising, pain or small nodules at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare.  Does PrEP interfere with gender-affirming hormone therapy?  No. PrEP does not lower hormone levels in transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse people (TGD) on gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) (2). PrEP has been shown to be effective and safe in TGD people and should be provided to high-risk individuals regardless of gender affirming hormone use. There are no measurable differences in hormone levels in blood between PrEP users and non-users who are on GAHT (3). However, blood concentrations of PrEP drugs in transgender women were lower than expected, although at levels unlikely to interfere with their antiviral effect to prevent HIV acquisition (4).  Are there sexual side effects to PrEP or gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender women?  PrEP is a medication that reduces the ability of the HIV virus to infect human immune cells; it does not impact the sexual functioning of human sex organs. GAHT for transgender women, however, decreases penile erection function, libido and ejaculatory volume. Discussion of these effects should be an integral part of the informed consent process and shared decision-making at the time of initiating GAHT. If these particular effects are unwanted, there are various strategies that can be used for those who wish to fully maintain penile sexual function, including the use of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) to facilitate erections, masturbation/sexual activity to maintain tissue perfusion, lowering antiandrogen doses when feminising goals are met and targeting testosterone levels slightly higher than cisfemale range (either through lower GAHT doses or addition of low-dose add-back testosterone therapy) (5).  What are the barriers to using PrEP?  Access to healthcare is critical for successful PrEP implementation. Although higher-income regions have had more successful implementation and awareness raising campaigns to date, many low-middle income countries are accelerating access. While PrEP is an important part of HIV preventive care services, studies show transgender women use less preventive care due to multiple factors, including limited access to healthcare, lack of insurance coverage for PrEP and gender-affirming care and medications, and fear of discrimination and stigma by healthcare providers (6).  References  IMAP statement on biomedical HIV prevention. IPPF, 2023 IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention | IPPF, accessed March 2026.  Senneker T. Drug-Drug Interactions Between Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Antiretrovirals for Treatment/ Prevention of HIV. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2024;90:2366–2382.  Grant RM, Pellegrini M, Defechereux PA, Anderson PL, Yu M, Glidden DV, O’Neal J, Yager J, Bhasin S, Sevelius J, Deutsch MB. Sex Hormone Therapy and Tenofovir Diphosphate Concentration in Dried Blood Spots: Primary Results of the Interactions Between Antiretrovirals And Transgender Hormones Study. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Oct 5;73(7):e2117-e2123. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1160. PMID: 32766890; PMCID: PMC8492111.  Hiransuthikul A, Janamnuaysook R, Himmad K, et al. Drug drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy and preexposure prophylaxis among transgender women: the iFACT study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22(7): e25338. DOI: 10. 1002/jia2.25338.  Sehgal I. Review of adult gender transition medications: mechanisms, efficacy measures, and pharmacogenomic considerations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jul 4;14:1184024. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184024.  Teng F, Sha Y, Fletcher LM, Welsch M, Burns P, Tang W. Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review. Int J STD AIDS. 2023 Apr;34(5):299-314. doi: 10.1177/09564624231152781. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36793197.

IPPF Africa Affiliates Across the continent, IPPF Africa’s Member Associations and Collaborative Partners are working every day to transform lives through essential sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, community empowerment, and policy advocacy. This footprint reflects more than presence, it represents commitment, partnership, and impact across Africa. Discover our affiliates below   More about who we are We are the world’s largest and most enduring network for sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. We do not just stand with. We stand up. We defend the rights and dignity of all people, especially those who experience injustice. Locally led and globally connected across more than 150 countries, we are a Federation of equals. We are healthcare providers, educators, activists, researchers, and volunteers. We are united by a commitment to equality and justice. For nearly 75 years, we have stood strong. Founded in 1952 by a courageous group of women, we now carry forward their vision of a just, equitable world free of coercion, violence, and discrimination. We are feminist, anti-racist, and anti-ableist. We are radical optimists. We reject colonial legacies and all forms of discrimination. We believe in joy and pleasure for all. In times of crisis and of oppression, rights and dignity need champions. We are here to advance, defend, and celebrate the rights of all people so that everyone can live with dignity, joy, and freedom. We are here. In solidarity. Always. Together.  

Introduction Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for cultural or other non-medical reasons. It is a human rights violation, a form of child abuse and an extreme form of gender-based violence (GBV) which affects more than 230 million people globally (UNFPA, 2025). FGM is practiced in more than 90 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with significant mortality and morbidity as a direct consequence. Studies have  shown that, FGM is a leading cause of  death of girls and young women in countries where it is practiced (Ghosh, Flowe, & Rockey, 2023). Despite being a cultural practice in certain countries, FGM has no health benefits and can result in long-term and irreversible physical and mental health consequences. The practice is illegal in over 80 countries, either through domestic legislation that specifically prohibits the practice of female genital mutilation within its borders, prohibits it to its expatriate citizens or allows it to be prosecuted through other laws (World Bank, 2025). Purpose of the statement and intended audience This statement was prepared by the International Medical Advisory Panel (IMAP) and approved in February 2026. This statement provides guidance to Member Associations and Collaborative Partners across the Federation on delivering holistic programming to prevent, respond to and mitigate the impact of FGM. The statement provides an update on FGM prevalence and emerging issues including medicalisation, and specific considerations related to humanitarian settings, migration, and displacement. The statement synthesises the latest evidence on effective prevention strategies and survivor-centred service delivery models to guide IPPF affiliates response. Finally, the statement advocates for the elimination of all forms of FGM, including when performed by medically qualified health workers, and supports clinicians’ adherence to human rights principles and professional ethical standards. It supports stakeholders working towards ending FGM, including health providers, policymakers, civil society organisations, and international organisations and funding agencies. You can read the statement in full below

We Are The Fire - The IPPFAR Quarterly Newsletter is the go-to source for updates on the latest activities and accomplishments of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Africa Region. Click the link below to read the latest publication : 2025 October to December 2025 2026 January to March 2026

IPPF Africa Region Annual Report 2024 Advancing Rights, Expanding Access, Empowering Communities In 2024, IPPF Africa Region reaffirmed its leadership in delivering quality sexual and reproductive health services and championing rights across the continent, despite facing political instability, funding challenges, and increasing opposition to sexual and reproductive rights. The region delivered over 99.2 million sexual and reproductive health services, with 54 percent provided to young people. There was a 28 percent increase in safe abortion services, contributing to the prevention of 1.6 million unsafe abortions, the avoidance of 5.4 million unintended pregnancies, and saving over 312 million US dollars in healthcare costs. Throughout the year, IPPF Africa influenced eight major policy wins, launched a regional youth steering committee, and expanded its partnerships with community-led organizations, including LGBTQI+ and feminist movements. The region also strengthened its presence in humanitarian settings and invested in digital outreach, data systems, and innovative funding models to promote sustainability and inclusive access to care. This report highlights the bold steps taken to ensure that every individual across Africa can access the health services, rights, and dignity they deserve. We extend a special thank you to our Member Associations and Collaborative Partners for their valuable contributions. This report would not have been possible without their unwavering support and commitment to our shared goals.

Healthcare, Rights & Choice: The Stand Up Initiative in Action Imagine a world where every young woman and girl has the power to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. That’s the vision of Stand Up for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Stand Up)—a groundbreaking 6.5-year initiative driving change in Uganda and Mozambique. Our Impact So Far: 6 service provision clusters established 321+ health professionals trained to respond to SGBV 563 providers trained in youth-friendly contraceptive services 638,115+ visits for SRH services, 75% of whom were adolescent girls & young women Through strategic partnerships with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and AMODEFA Mozambique, we’re strengthening healthcare systems, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring no one is left behind.