Fact Check: Only 400,000 Americans currently use PrEP.

Fact Check: "Only 400,000 Americans currently use PrEP."

What We Know

The claim that "only 400,000 Americans currently use PrEP" is inaccurate. According to the CDC's preliminary data, in 2022, approximately 36% of the estimated 1.2 million individuals in the U.S. who could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were prescribed it. This translates to about 432,000 people, which is close to the figure mentioned in the claim. However, this number does not represent the total number of users but rather those who have been prescribed PrEP.

Moreover, recent reports indicate that the number of PrEP users has been increasing significantly. For instance, a report from amfAR highlights that the number of PrEP users in the U.S. has reached historic highs, with substantial growth observed among various demographics. Additionally, the AIDSVu data shows a 17% increase in PrEP users from 2022 to 2023, indicating a growing trend in PrEP uptake.

Analysis

The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of the data regarding PrEP usage. While the figure of 400,000 is close to the number of individuals who were prescribed PrEP in 2022, it does not reflect the current total number of active users. The CDC's report emphasizes that over one-third of those who could benefit from PrEP were prescribed it, which is a positive trend in HIV prevention efforts.

Furthermore, the sources cited provide a broader context. The CDC notes that there are ongoing efforts to increase PrEP coverage, which has shown promising results in recent years. The increase in prescriptions from 23% in 2019 to 36% in 2022 reflects a significant improvement in access to this preventive measure.

On the other hand, disparities in PrEP access remain a critical issue, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups. The CDC reports that while 94% of White individuals who could benefit from PrEP have been prescribed it, only 13% of Black individuals and 24% of Hispanic/Latino individuals have received prescriptions. This highlights the need for continued efforts to address these disparities in healthcare access.

In summary, while the claim may have a basis in the number of prescriptions, it fails to capture the full picture of PrEP usage and the ongoing efforts to expand access.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "only 400,000 Americans currently use PrEP" is misleading. While the number of individuals prescribed PrEP is close to this figure, it does not accurately represent the total number of active users or the growth in PrEP uptake. The CDC's data indicates a significant increase in PrEP prescriptions, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve HIV prevention strategies in the U.S.

Sources

1. Expanding PrEP Coverage in the United States to Achieve EHE Goals
2. Progress Toward UNAIDS Global HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
3. HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence: 2025 Update
4. Equity of PrEP uptake by race, ethnicity, sex and region in ...
5. U.S. Statistics
6. Global State of PrEP - World Health Organization (WHO)
7. PrEP Usage in U.S. Hits Historic Highs, But Disparities Persist
8. AIDSVu Releases New PrEP Data and Launches PrEPVu