British singer Dua Lipa is creating buzz by shining a spotlight on PrEP, a medication that helps prevent the transmission of HIV. The 30-year-old artist surprised attendees at the inaugural National PrEP Day celebration hosted by MISTR at The Abbey in West Hollywood on October 9. Dua Lipa shared the stage with renowned figures like Cardi B, Demi Lovato, and Kim Petras, as well as popular Drag Race personalities.
In a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, Dua Lipa emphasized the importance of removing the stigma associated with HIV and expressed her optimistic outlook on its potential eradication. She stated, “I think there is a lot of stigma around [HIV and sexually transmitted infections] and I think if we can de-stigmatise what it means to get the right healthcare for HIV… I want to believe that there’s hope that it can be completely eradicated. I think sex should be fun and it should be safe.”
The interview has garnered significant attention online, with many fans commending Dua Lipa for addressing a typically taboo subject. One Reddit user wrote, “Seriously, if more influential people pitch in and get the word out about PREP and regular testing, HIV-AIDS can hopefully soon be a footnote, a dark and important one, in public health history.”
HIV, a virus that weakens the immune system and heightens the risk of severe illnesses, primarily spreads through sexual activities such as vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. While manageable with treatment, there is currently no cure for HIV.
An effective method to reduce HIV transmission is through the use of PrEP by individuals at risk. A study conducted from 2017 to 2020 demonstrated that PrEP usage reduced the likelihood of contracting HIV by 86% in real-world scenarios over multiple years.
Awareness surrounding PrEP is on the rise. According to a report from 2025, the number of individuals accessing PrEP in sexual health services in the UK has been steadily increasing, with 111,123 people receiving the medication in 2024 – a 7.7% rise from 2023.
Recent estimates indicate that approximately 113,500 individuals are living with HIV in the UK. The National Aids Trust reported a 27% increase in the number of people receiving HIV care in the UK in 2023 compared to the past decade.
Despite the increase in HIV cases, a government report from 2022 highlighted that stigma and mental health issues continue to hinder individuals from seeking treatment.