The National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales will soon provide a new HIV prevention injection, cabotegravir, for those at high risk of the virus but not infected.
This move aligns with Scotland’s policy and supports the goal of eliminating new HIV cases by 2030.
The injection, given every two months, will initially help up to 1,000 people annually through sexual health clinics.
Cabotegravir, a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment, offers an alternative to daily pills for those facing challenges like medical issues, unstable housing, or privacy concerns. It works by stopping HIV from multiplying in the body, preventing infection after exposure.
Benefits and Accessibility
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the injection a “transformative step” for accessible, life-saving care, especially for those unable to use oral PrEP.
Helen Knight, a senior NHS official, described it as a “key milestone” in expanding prevention options. The treatment promotes safe sex alongside condom use, offering convenience and discretion.
HIV charities praise the injection for reducing health disparities, making prevention accessible to more people. They stress the need for a quick rollout and clear public information about HIV prevention options.
Understanding HIV and Eligibility
HIV weakens the immune system and can spread through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or childbirth.
Cabotegravir targets those at high risk of sexual transmission who cannot use daily pills. The NHS secured the treatment at a lower cost, boosting efforts to end HIV transmission.
Future Possibilities
Early data on another injection, lenacapavir, suggests a potential yearly HIV prevention shot, though it’s not yet available in the UK.
For now, cabotegravir strengthens the NHS’s commitment to inclusive, effective HIV prevention, moving closer to a future without new HIV cases.
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