Introducing "PrEP My V(agina)" to German HIV Prevention

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Today, on September 23, 2026, the SHAPE network participated in the fully booked “Fachtag 2026 - Aids-NRW” conference at the Gesundheitsamt (Health Department) Dortmund. Centered around the theme "HIV/STI-Versorgung von Frauen in NRW" (HIV/STI Care and Services for Women in North Rhine-Westphalia), this specialized event brought together healthcare professionals to discuss women's sexual health, testing, and counseling opportunities.

Organized by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Aidsprävention – HIV/STI in NRW and accredited with 7 iCME points by the Academy for Infectious Medicine, the full-day conference provided a vital platform to highlight the critical need for women-centered preventative care.

Stack of pink and yellow PrEP brochures on a lap, showing three women and text: My Health. My Pleasure. My PrEP. — My Health, My Pleasure, My PrEP

Empowering Women Through Peer Education

Spearheading women centered HIV prevention at the meeting was the PrEP My V(agina) project. Developed as a collaborative effort between the SHAPE network and EATG, this peer-to-peer education initiative is designed specifically to raise awareness about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) among women. Too often, PrEP awareness remains limited to specific demographics, leaving women out of the essential conversation regarding preventative sexual health.

The Message on the Ground

During the event, newly designed flyers were distributed to attendees, boldly carrying the core messages of the campaign: "A Female Choice in HIV Prevention" and "My Health. My Pleasure. My PrEP."Featuring inclusive illustrations of women from diverse backgrounds, these business card size flyers include a QR code that directs healthcare providers and advocates straight to a PrEP for Women website of the foundation GSSG (German Foundation Sexuality and Health, www.stiftung-gssg.org/hiv-prophylaxe-als-schutz-fuer-frauen/). This ensures that professionals and interested person can easily access and share reliable, women-focused sexual health resources with their patients.

Bridging the Systemic Gap

While Germany offers comprehensive healthcare, women often encounter structural obstacles when trying to access preventative treatments like PrEP, PEP, and STI testing. Even more so, if they are part of marginalized groups—such as migrant women or those facing language barriers. Professional gatherings like this meeting are essential for connecting advocacy groups with health authorities to dismantle these barriers.

The SHAPE network remains committed to ensuring that women can make informed, confident decisions about their sexual health, free from stigma. Through grassroots initiatives like PrEP My V(agina), the vital message of equitable healthcare access continues to be amplified on the ground.

To learn more about the ongoing projects and digital resources, visit www.stiftung-gssg.org.