A groundbreaking new HIV prevention injection is now being offered to a limited number of individuals in South Africa. The injection, which provides two months of protection with a single shot, is a major advancement in the fight against HIV.
Administered outside of clinical trials, the injection contains a long-acting formulation of the antiretroviral drug cabotegravir (CAB-LA), offering a more convenient and less painful alternative to traditional methods of prevention.
While the injection is not yet widely available to the public, select individuals in South Africa have access to it through pilot projects such as the FAST PrEP study conducted by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town. These projects aim to introduce the injectable and gather valuable insights for future large-scale implementation.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the form of pills, vaginal rings, and now injections, offers a crucial preventive measure against HIV infection. The initial response to the new injection has been positive, with a significant number of individuals opting to receive the CAB-LA shot, including young men who have sex with men and young women.
The implementation of the new HIV prevention injection marks a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against HIV, offering hope for a future with reduced transmission and improved health outcomes.
