Health experts have detailed the use of an injectable HIV prevention drug, known as Cabotegravir (CAB), in Uganda. Dr. Daniel Byamukama, who heads the HIV prevention division at the Uganda AIDS Commission, explained that this new drug aims to protect individuals who are HIV-negative but face the risk of HIV infection through sexual intercourse.
The government of Uganda views CAB as a crucial tool in its efforts to reduce the annual count of over 50,000 new HIV infections. This long-acting injectable drug will be administered to HIV-negative individuals to prevent infection.
Dr. Daniel Byamukama emphasized that the target demographic includes sexually active individuals who perceive themselves at high risk of contracting HIV. This encompasses those who are married to sex workers, individuals with partners having multiple sexual partners, those married to HIV-positive individuals, and sex workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the use of this drug, confirming its safety and effectiveness.
The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also endorsed CAB for individuals who inject drugs. It’s important to note that this drug is intended for prevention and is not a substitute for antiretroviral drugs for those already living with HIV.
Dr. Byamukama revealed that HIV-negative individuals will receive an injection every two months to safeguard against infection. The CDC supports this approach, particularly for individuals who encounter challenges in consistently taking oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). CAB injections serve as a practical alternative for those who prefer bi-monthly shots over daily oral PrEP medication.
The use of CAB is not recommended for individuals with HIV or those who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to CAB. Serious kidney disease can also affect the suitability of CAB injections.
Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. It is developed and patented by ViiV Healthcare, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Shionogi, based in the United Kingdom.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted studies across seven African countries, including Uganda, and concluded that CAB-LA is significantly more effective in preventing HIV acquisition compared to oral PrEP. It was found to be 89 percent more effective than Tenofovir/emtricitabine in preventing HIV acquisition.
