Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake, Implementation and Barriers in Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

Silingene Joyce Ngcobo and Tracy Zhandire ()
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Silingene Joyce Ngcobo: Discipline of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
Tracy Zhandire: Discipline of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Despite significant advancements in HIV prevention, Africa continues to bear a disproportionately high burden of new infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated over 90% efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition when taken consistently; however, its implementation and uptake across African countries remain suboptimal. Objective: This scoping review aims to systematically map existing literature on PrEP uptake and implementation in Africa, identify key barriers and facilitators influencing access and adherence, examine targeted population groups, and explore policy and programmatic approaches to PrEP delivery across diverse African contexts. Methods: The review will follow the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, refined by Levac et al., and will include comprehensive searches of electronic databases, grey literature, and official reports. Data will be thematically synthesized to identify research trends, gaps, and contextual variations. Expected Outcomes: The findings will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of PrEP implementation in Africa, highlighting research trends, contextual variations across countries, and gaps in service delivery and policy frameworks. This will inform future implementation strategies, guide evidence-based approaches to enhance PrEP uptake, and support policymaking to scale up effective interventions across diverse African settings, ultimately contributing to HIV prevention efforts on the continent.

Keywords: pre-exposure prophylaxis; PrEP; HIV prevention; Africa; uptake barriers; implementation; scoping review protocol (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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