By Bahle Gama
In a groundbreaking development in the fight against HIV, Eswatini has introduced a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), known as Cabotegravir long-acting (CB-LA).
This new option, now available at Sitsandziwe Clinic, is poised to revolutionise HIV prevention by providing an effective and convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP pills.
Dr. Menzi Ginindza of Sitsandziwe Clinic in Matsapha made the announcement in a recent Facebook video, revealing that the facility is now offering the CB-LA injectable.
This advancement marks a significant milestone in Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to curb HIV infections and improve public health outcomes.
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Traditional oral PrEP, which involves taking a daily pill, has been widely used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
However, adherence to the regimen has reportedly been a major challenge, with many individuals forgetting to take their medication consistently.
The introduction of CB-LA addresses this concern by offering an alternative that requires just one injection every two months, ensuring long-term protection without the need for daily adherence.
According to Dr. Ginindza, this injectable PrEP is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with remembering to take their medication daily.
“With the CB-LA injection, there is no need for daily intake, which makes it a great option for people with busy lifestyles or those who may have difficulty maintaining a pill regimen,” he explained.
For those considering the switch to the injectable, Dr. Ginindza outlined some common side effects which include mild pain at the injection site, which typically subsides on its own.
Additionally, some individuals may experience headaches and dizziness, though these symptoms are usually short-lived and do not require medical intervention.
Despite these minor side effects, the benefits of CB-LA far outweigh any discomfort. Studies have shown that the injectable form of PrEP is even more effective than the daily pill in preventing HIV infection, as it maintains higher and more consistent levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
The introduction of CB-LA aligns with global efforts to expand PrEP options and ensures that individuals at high risk of HIV infection have access to the best available preventive measures.
UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO) have emphasized the importance of diversified HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP, condom use, and early HIV treatment.
With CB-LA now available, Eswatini joins a growing list of countries that are adopting this cutting-edge approach to reducing new infections.
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Dr. Ginindza further encouraged interested individuals to visit Sitsandziwe Clinic for more information.
“I would like to encourage anyone who wants to use the injectable PrEP to visit us at the clinic so that we can discuss further and determine if this is the right option for you,” he stated.
As Eswatini continues its fight against HIV, the availability of CB-LA represents a significant step forward.
By offering a more accessible and effective prevention method, healthcare providers hope to increase PrEP uptake and ultimately reduce new HIV infections across the country.