Good news for South Africa as 867 government health facilities will soon offer the two-monthly HIV prevention injection, CAB-LA. This new initiative is made possible by a donation of 96,000 doses from the US government. Studies have shown that CAB-LA, when injected into the buttocks, releases the antiretroviral drug cabotegravir over two months, greatly reducing the risk of HIV contraction through sexual intercourse.
The Lancet HIV study indicates that the CAB-LA jab could prevent 52,000 new HIV infections annually in South Africa, a significant breakthrough in combatting the spread of the virus. The injection, which only needs to be administered every other month, has shown high levels of preference among individuals compared to daily prevention pills or monthly vaginal rings.
The costs of CAB-LA have been a concern, as it is four times more expensive than conventional prevention methods. However, plans are in place to make it more affordable in the future. The rollout of CAB-LA in South Africa marks a crucial milestone in the country’s efforts to eradicate HIV and improve public health.