Stockholm Eliminates Waiting Lists for PrEP, Expanding HIV Prevention Access
Stockholm expands PrEP access and abolishes waiting lists for HIV prevention.
Key Points
- • Waiting list for PrEP eliminated; treatment now immediately accessible.
- • PrEP available at seven clinics across Stockholm County.
- • Expansion decision made by Region Stockholm's Primary Care Board in May 2024.
- • PrEP primarily recommended for high-risk men and transgender individuals.
In a significant public health development, the Stockholm region has successfully eliminated waiting lists for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a critical treatment for HIV prevention. As of June 2025, individuals seeking PrEP can now access this essential medication immediately, with approximately 500 people previously waiting for treatment at the beginning of the year.
This achievement comes after the Primary Care Board of Region Stockholm decided in May 2024 to broaden access to PrEP by including additional clinics in their Vårdval sexual health program. Currently, PrEP is available at seven clinics throughout Stockholm County, significantly increasing the accessibility of this life-saving medication. The expansion was driven by the demand for PrEP, predominantly recommended for men who have sex with men and gender-diverse individuals at higher risk of HIV infection, as well as others with significant risk factors.
The first clinic to offer PrEP, Venhälsan at Södersjukhuset, initiated services in 2018, followed by the Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge in 2023. The inclusion of new clinics aims to ensure uniform care across the region, supported by training from Venhälsan.
While PrEP has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV infection, it is crucial to note that it does not offer protection against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, nor does it cure HIV. Health experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive sexual health approaches alongside the use of PrEP.
The removal of waiting lists and the expansion of service locations mark a significant milestone in the fight against HIV in Stockholm, providing timely access to at-risk populations and reflecting a proactive public health strategy.