By Wanique Block
Zimbabwe has become the first African country, and the first country in the world to approve an HIV prevention drug.
This HIV prevention drug was recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in June this year.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe announced the approval of the use of long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
The long-acting injectable drug for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consists of two injections of Cabotegraviror (CAB-LA) that are to be administered four weeks apart and followed by an injection every eight weeks.
Studies of the HIV prevention drug has indicated a 79% reduction in HIV risk in comparison to oral PrEP.
According to The Guardian, Nyasha Sithole from the Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa (DAWA) network expressed excitement regarding these new developments.
“Accelerating HIV prevention for girls and young women requires an expansion on choices available. I am excited and proud to know that my own country has approved the use of CAB-LA. This will contribute to our basket of HIV prevention tools that work for us as girls and women in Zimbabwe”.
The approval of this drug has not only renewed our hopes of further preventing HIV transmissions, but it will also be aiding in the reduction of HIV infections in Southern Africa.
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