Travel and PEP kits

WELLBEING: HIV AND AIDS, PREVENTION AND CARE:
Travel and PEP kits

Tips and Tools

The impact of HIV and AIDS across geographic regions

Sample policy statement on HIV and AIDS (CIFOR)

Sample information brochure HIV and AIDS (World Agroforestry Center)

Resources on the Internet for HIV and AIDS management in the workplace

CGIAR information resources on HIV and AIDS

1 Many international organizations regularly provide staff with:

travel kits intended to provide materials for the prevention of HIV, and
post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits for use in the event of suspected exposure to HIV.

Travel kits
2 Travel kits contain:

condoms;
disposable syringes/sterile injection material;
latex gloves;
information sheet on correct use of kit contents;
official certificate for customs and immigration personnel to explain the nature of the kit.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits
3 In the event of suspected exposure to HIV, in cases of rape or contact with contaminated blood, some organizations provide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits for immediate use in the field.

4 The contents of the kits differ from organization to organization, particularly in the case of health-care workers where occupational risk of exposure to contaminated blood is high. Outside the healthcare field, the contents of these kits typically include:

pregnancy test;
morning-after pill;
three-day supply of two (2) anti-retroviral drugs; and
information sheet on appropriate and correct use of kit contents.

5 Data on the efficacy of prophylactic anti-retroviral drugs are highly encouraging. Ideally, these drugs should be taken immediately after a suspected exposure, though they may be taken up to 72 hours after exposure.

6 Statistics show that the sooner prophylactics are taken after exposure, the greater reduction of risk of HIV infection. However, the employee should seek medical attention as soon as possible following suspected exposure.

7 On a cautionary note, concerns have been raised in the healthcare community that drug-resistant HIV might emerge if the PEP is misused.

WHERE ARE THESE KITS KEPT?
8 As part of the Center’s education program, it is essential that there are sufficient posters, leaflets, brochures and Intranet sources to ensure that all staff members at every location know where they can find travel and PEP kits on short notice.