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Take Pride in Your Health with PrEP

by Christina Francisco, IHS Division of Clinical & Community Services Student Intern
PrEP is a daily pill that reduces your risk of getting HIV
PrEP is a daily pill that reduces your risk of getting HIV

American Indian and Alaskan Native people have lower survival rates from human immunodeficiency (HIV) compared to other ethnicities and face unique prevention challenges due to cultural stigma and poverty. 

  • Are you an American Indian or Alaskan Native who is HIV-negative, but has multiple sex partners or a sex partner who is HIV-positive?
  • Are you a gay/bisexual man who has had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the last year?
  • Have you injected drugs or do you have a sex partner who injects drugs?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are at higher risk for HIV infection.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (better known as PrEP) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is a daily pill that reduces your risk of getting HIV and is highly effective in preventing HIV infection if taken as directed.  You can protect yourself even more if you use condoms and other prevention tools.

There are more options than ever before.  Learn more about PrEP to decide if it is right for you.  Protect your health and your communities with these easy steps.

Request it.  Ask your provider about PrEP

Take it. PrEP is only effective if you take it as directed.  PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV through sex by more than 90%, and more than 70% in injectable drug users.

Practice it.  Combined with the use of condoms, PrEP is a safe and simple way to protect your health

Begin your journey to taking control of your health, find a PrEP provider near you. Ask your local IHS healthcare provider or check out the PrEP Provider Directory and Locator Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

Related content:

HIV/AIDS in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

HIV Risk Factors

IHS National HIV/AIDS Program


Christina Francisco, IHS Division of Clinical & Community Services Student Intern

Christina Francisco, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and a current Master of Public Health candidate at the University of Maryland, College Park. Christina is a staff analyst in the Division of Budget Formulation at IHS headquarters and is a student intern with the Division of Clinical & Community Services at IHS headquarters.