Implementation and impact of a post-exposure prophylaxis helpline

Despite a 2007 national and regional training programme, there was poor implementation of a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme to prevent occupational transmission of HIV in health care workers (HCWs) in Delhi. A new initiative was therefore launched by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society in 2010 to improve uptake of PEP in HCWs.

To assess the implementation and efficacy of the PEP programme in Delhi.

The initiative included a PEP poster and a telephone helpline together with a workshop for senior doctors of 46 public hospitals nominated as PEP supervisors. Data concerning use of the PEP help line and number of HCWs enrolling for PEP between January 2011 and May 2014 were analysed.

Until September 2010, only 61% (28) of Delhi hospitals had PEP drugs and medical supervisors to manage the programme and reports concerning the programme were not sent. After roll-out of the PEP helpline, 4057 HCWs accessed the helpline, all public hospitals started implementing the programme and sent monthly reports. During the same period, 1450 HCWs suffered from occupational exposures, 15% were started on PEP drugs of who 98% completed the full course of prophylaxis.

The PEP helpline is probably the first in a developing country and has been helpful for the effective implementation of the national PEP programme in Delhi.