In a major step forward for HIV prevention in Greece, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be available free of charge beginning Monday, 19 May 2025, according to testing and prevention center Checkpoint. PrEP is a daily pill taken by individuals who are HIV-negative to prevent infection. When taken consistently, it reduces the risk of contracting HIV by approximately 99%, making it one of the most effective prevention tools currently available.

PrEP works by blocking the virus from entering and replicating in the body’s cells if exposure occurs. Although research continues into alternative dosing methods, daily use remains the most reliable strategy.

In Greece, PrEP will be offered to individuals who are HIV-negative and at increased risk of exposure. This includes people with specific sexual health practices, those who have partners living with HIV, individuals who inject drugs, and those for whom a physician recommends it as part of a broader treatment or prevention plan.

Eligible individuals can now receive PrEP through a prescription issued by a range of doctors, including general practitioners, pathologists, dermatologists, and gynecologists. Prescriptions can cover up to three months, though the medication must be picked up monthly at designated hospital pharmacies.

Access points have been set up in major cities across the country. In Athens and the wider Attica region, several hospitals including Evaggelismos, Laiko, Alexandra, Hippocrates,Gennimatas, Sotiria, KAT, Sismanoglio, and Andrea Syygrou, will provide the service. Thessaloniki residents can go to AHEPA or Hippokratio hospitals, while other locations such as Heraklion, Rhodes, Chios, Patras, and Alexandroupolis will also have designated pharmacies for distribution.

Importantly, the entire process has been designed to ensure confidentiality. Although patients must provide their AMKA (social security number), the system generates a unique Beneficiary Code that replaces all personal identifiers throughout the prescription and dispensing process. This means that PrEP can be accessed safely and discreetly, free from stigma or unnecessary exposure of personal data.

This development follows growing calls for Greece to align with other European countries and global health recommendations.

To learn more about PrEP and how it works, or to book a confidential consultation, individuals can visit www.mycheckpoint.gr or schedule an appointment through booking.mycheckpoint.gr.