Dr. Segun Oyedeji Advocates PrEP for Older Men

Dr. Segun Oyedeji, Principal Consultant with Kent Counsul Ltd and a certified PrEP Master Trainer with the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, stated that older men who are sexually active can benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) despite age-related conditions like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. Speaking at a national training organized by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, he emphasized that older individuals should not be excluded from HIV prevention medications due to their age or management of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Oyedeji explained that while some medications for non-communicable diseases might affect libido, newer drugs may have fewer side effects. He cautioned that PrEP protects against HIV but not other sexually transmitted infections, recommending condoms for dual protection.

He also highlighted the importance of clinical assessments before starting PrEP, including HIV and kidney function tests, and advised those exposed to HIV to seek medical attention within 72 hours.