The launch is expected by January 2025 and will be spearheaded by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). It will mark a major step forward in the country's efforts to curb new infections and offer innovative treatment solutions for individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.
The drug, known as long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is a new form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, requiring only a bi-monthly injection following two initial doses spaced four weeks apart.
Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, CAB-LA has been described as a "safe and highly effective prevention tool" for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
According to Dr. Basile Ikuzo, Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at RBC, the drug will initially be introduced on a pilot basis at two health centres.
"We aim to assess client acceptability and determine if it can be a new intervention. If the feedback is positive, we plan to scale it up across the country," Dr. Ikuzo said in a recent interview with The New Times.
Rwanda's adoption of CAB-LA also addresses the challenges of adhering to oral PrEP. Many individuals find it difficult to maintain a daily pill routine, making long-acting injectables a more convenient and reliable option.
The rollout will initially target high-risk groups, including female sex workers and discordant couples. Currently, over 10,000 individuals in Rwanda use oral PrEP, representing 30% of those identified as high-risk. The new initiative aims to expand access to prevention services and further lower HIV prevalence among vulnerable groups.
The introduction of CAB-LA aligns with Rwanda's commitment to meeting and surpassing the UNAIDS "95-95-95" targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Rwanda has made notable progress in addressing HIV/AIDS, with prevalence rates among high-risk groups showing a steady decline. For instance, HIV prevalence among female sex workers has decreased from 45% a decade ago to 35%. Overall, the HIV prevalence rate among Rwandans aged 15-64 stands at 3%, according to the 2019 Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA).
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of maintaining preventive measures while embracing new solutions.
Minister of Health, Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, believes that long-acting injectables could alleviate the burden on individuals who require lifelong HIV treatment.
"This approach offers a practical alternative to the daily regimen, ensuring better adherence and improving quality of life," Dr. Nsanzimana said during a previous address.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-set-to-launch-injectable-hiv-drug
