CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is poised to introduce Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a groundbreaking HIV prevention jab in four African countries: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and eSwatini.
CAB-LA is a long-acting injectable prevention Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) administered every two months.
Previously, an oral pill was taken daily for prevention. The injectable offers improved adherence and reduced pill burden.
MSF secured a limited number of doses after negotiations with ViiV, the sole manufacturer.
MSF has trained clinicians, nurses, and implementers to ensure successful rollout.
EXPANSION PLANS
South Africa will receive 231 000 doses from PEPFAR between October and December. The remaining doses will be distributed over two years.
ADVOCACY WINS
MSF’s long-standing advocacy efforts yielded lower CAB-LA prices.
SPECIFIC ROLLOUT
1. Zimbabwe
2. Malawi
3. Mozambique
4. eSwatini
5. Zambia (already started)
6. South Africa (scheduled for later this year)
HIV HISTORY
MSF provided early HIV treatment provision in Africa in the early 2000s.
MSF advocates for affordable HIV treatments.
“This rollout marks a significant milestone in the fight against HIV. We’re committed to making CAB-LA accessible to those who need it most,” said MSF the statement.
With only 63 months to 2030, prevention remains the cornerstone to ending AIDS by 2030. With Zimbabwe having recorded around 19 000 new HIV infections in 2023, closing the tap on new infections is a must. (NAC)
HIV becomes a generalized condition by 2030 with less funding. The funding is already on a sliding scale.
Some college students argued on taking the PrEP oral pill daily. “Why should I take a pill daily to prevent HIV if it means taking a pill later for treatment?”
“CAB-LA is a game-changer in HIV prevention. Its bi-monthly injections are more effective than oral PrEP, offering new hope. With no vaccine or cure in sight, long-acting formulations like CAB-LA can revolutionize HIV prevention globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries and among high-risk populations, if widely implemented,” said Dr. Antonio Flores, MSF HIV/TB Advisor.
CAB-LA takes away the pill burden improving adherence.
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