The Ministry of Health reported on March 9 that more than 12,800 people in Ecuador have accessed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention since its introduction in 2023. The announcement was made as part of the National Combined HIV Prevention Strategy led by Vice President María José Pinto.
The expansion of PrEP is considered a key intervention to reduce new HIV infections in the country. PrEP involves taking a daily tablet containing Tenofovir and Emtricitabine and is intended for individuals at substantial risk of contracting HIV. Currently, there are 49 health facilities offering this service: 39 under the Ministry of Health, seven from the Social Security Institute, two community centers operated by Corporación Kimirina in Quito and Guayaquil, and one at the Armed Forces Hospital in Quito.
According to official figures, access to PrEP has grown rapidly: there were 1,661 users in 2023, increasing to 3,887 in 2024 and reaching 7,349 in 2025. The Ministry projects that an additional 12,500 people will begin using PrEP in 2026, aiming for national coverage of approximately 25,000 users.
Under a specific agreement between the Ministry of Health, Corporación Kimirina, and Fundación CEPVVS—supported by Grant No. ECU-H-MOH-4688—the government will ensure supplies and medications for community services throughout this year. An estimated investment of USD $127,034 will provide annual supplies including over 12,800 bottles of PrEP for Quito and Guayaquil; more than 203,000 male condoms and lubricants each; nearly 12,000 fourth-generation rapid HIV tests; and other resources. These supplies are expected to benefit about one thousand PrEP users directly and enable screening for over 130 thousand people.
The initiative targets populations at higher risk such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transfeminine individuals, sex workers, serodiscordant couples (where one partner is living with HIV), pregnant women or those breastfeeding—as well as anyone who considers themselves at risk and requests preventive care.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention strategies during the year ahead, authorities plan to open twenty-two new PrEP services nationwide. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive HIV response by prioritizing equitable access and working closely with social organizations toward eliminating the epidemic.
