An effective HIV vaccine has been created, but there's a problem
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CAB-LA is an innovative injectable form of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is administered every two months and, according to WHO, is more effective than oral PrEP in preventing new infections. CAB-LA is particularly useful for vulnerable groups where adherence to daily pill intake is difficult.
In 2024, CAB-LA will begin to be offered in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. South Africa will receive its first doses before the end of the year thanks to support from the PEPFAR programme. The introduction of CAB-LA was made possible through long negotiations with the manufacturer, ViiV, and the active work of organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
CAB-LA stands out on three key parameters:
- Confidentiality: eliminates the need to store and take pills daily.
- Convenience: bi-monthly injections reduce patient burden.
- Effectiveness: provides protection at a higher level.
For many patients, especially those from low-income countries, these characteristics make CAB-LA a preferable prophylaxis option.
In addition to CAB-LA, other long-acting drugs are being developed, such as lencapavir, which is administered every six months. However, access to these innovations is limited by high prices. MSF is actively encouraging pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs and support generic production.
MSF has successfully implemented CAB-LA in projects in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Eswatini. The organisation has trained health workers, focusing on strategies for implementing CAB-LA and working with vulnerable groups. These efforts are aimed at reducing new infections, especially among women, girls and other at-risk groups.
The number of new HIV cases has fallen by 60% since 1995, but the global fight continues. In 2023, there were 1.3 million new cases, 44% of which were women and girls. Africa remains the epicentre of the epidemic, accounting for 62% of all new cases.
CAB-LA and other innovations offer hope for further reductions in morbidity, but their success will depend on affordability and equitable distribution.
