Aidoo-Frimpong Gloria, Koku Emmanuel, Okoro Olihe, Gyamerah Akua, Johnson Nettie, Schwartz Sheree
University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
J Immigr Minor Health. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s10903-025-01750-6.
African immigrants in the U.S. face disproportionately high rates of HIV, yet their unique prevention needs remain overlooked. Long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) presents a critical opportunity to expand prevention by offering a discreet and convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP. Its successful implementation, however, requires approaches that build on the strengths of African immigrant communities, including their rich traditions of storytelling, collective problem-solving, and digital connectivity. In this commentary, we highlight three culturally responsive strategies - storytelling, crowdsourcing, and digital platforms like WhatsApp - that can enhance awareness and uptake of LAI-PrEP. By leveraging existing community networks and trusted communication channels, these approaches can drive engagement and support sustained use. A strengths-based approach to LAI-PrEP implementation has the potential to not only reduce HIV disparities but also reinforce community-driven solutions that promote long-term health and well-being among African immigrants in the U.S.
在美国的非洲移民面临着不成比例的高艾滋病毒感染率,然而他们独特的预防需求仍然被忽视。长效注射用暴露前预防药物(LAI-PrEP)提供了一个重要机会,通过提供一种比每日口服暴露前预防药物更隐秘、更方便的替代方案来扩大预防范围。然而,其成功实施需要基于非洲移民社区优势的方法,包括他们丰富的讲故事传统、集体解决问题的能力以及数字连接性。在这篇评论中,我们强调了三种具有文化适应性的策略——讲故事、众包以及像WhatsApp这样的数字平台,这些策略可以提高对LAI-PrEP的认识和接受度。通过利用现有的社区网络和可靠的沟通渠道,这些方法可以推动参与并支持持续使用。基于优势的LAI-PrEP实施方法不仅有可能减少艾滋病毒差异,还能加强社区驱动的解决方案,促进美国非洲移民的长期健康和福祉。