New Two-Month HIV Prevention Injection in South Africa
Image source: RAJ CREATIONZS
Published by: Omphile Pule
A new HIV prevention injection is now available in South Africa, offering two months of protection with a single shot. The country approved the injection containing a long-acting formulation of the antiretroviral drug cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for use since late 2022.
Despite its approval, limited supply and high prices have hindered widespread uptake globally. However, a recent development saw a young person in Cape Town becoming one of the first to receive this injection outside of a clinical trial.
Several implementation studies, including the FAST PrEP study conducted by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) in Cape Town, are introducing the injection. On the first day it was offered, five people opted to receive the CAB-LA shot, including a young MSM and a young woman, both of whom are populations that could benefit greatly from this prevention method.
Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of DTHF, explains that studies like FAST PrEP transition prevention options from trials to real-world use. These studies also help identify any safety concerns and assess demand for the product.
However, the availability of CAB-LA remains constrained due to limited supply and regulatory challenges. The National Department of Health explores importing the injection, potentially via donations from organizations like PEPFAR.
These studies closely monitor the implementation of CAB-LA and other prevention options, such as the dapivirine vaginal ring. Data from these studies will inform future rollout strategies and help individuals make informed choices about their HIV prevention methods.
While the CAB-LA injection offers a promising new option for HIV prevention, access remains limited for now. However, ongoing research and implementation efforts aim to make this prevention method more widely available in the future, ultimately contributing to efforts to reduce HIV transmission in South Africa and beyond.
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