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Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Stopping HIV Before It Starts: PrEP-Centered Strategies for High-Risk Populations in The Bahamas,” presented by Dr. Clemon George on Monday, February 23, at 3:00 p.m. in SAMC 151. 

Research Seminar Abstract: Objectives. To evaluate implementation and utilization of The Bahamas’ National AntiRetroviral (ARV) Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Programme from June 2016 through December 2023 and to identify implementation lessons relevant to small island developing states (SIDS). 

Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted using program records for all persons enrolled in the national PrEP programme during 2016–2023. PrEP services were centralized on New Providence and delivered through public-sector clinics and private providers. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and service delivery variables were abstracted from paper records and linked with pharmacy dispensing data. Outcomes included programme scaleup over time, PrEP uptake (initiations among those offered PrEP), continuation at 3 months, loss to follow-up, HIV seroconversion, adverse events, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses. Descriptive statistics summarized programme performance. Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations with HIV seroconversion.