Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Elri Voigt for Spotlight
Published on 2024-02-27 15:30:48
Earlier this month, a groundbreaking moment occurred in Cape Town as a young person became one of the first individuals in South Africa to receive a new HIV prevention injection known as CAB-LA. This injection, containing a long-acting formulation of the antiretroviral drug cabotegravir, provides two months of protection against HIV infection per shot. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in HIV prevention efforts in the country.
Pakama Mapukata, a nurse and study coordinator, expressed both excitement and nervousness as they administered the first CAB-LA injection. However, their fears were quickly put to rest as the recipient responded well and described the injection as less painful than other injections they had received in the past. While the injection is not yet widely available to the public, select individuals in South Africa have the opportunity to access it through implementation studies, such as the FAST PrEP study conducted by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) in Cape Town.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the practice of using antiretrovirals to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is available in various forms including pills, vaginal rings, and injections. Elzette Rousseau, a social behavioural scientist involved in the implementation of FAST PrEP, shared that the initial response to the CAB-LA injection was positive, with five individuals opting to receive the shot on the first day it was offered. This included a young MSM and a young woman, representing populations that could greatly benefit from this new prevention method.
As of February 21st, a total of 19 CAB-LA injections had been administered. Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of the DTHF and Principal Investigator of the study, highlighted the importance of conducting implementation science studies before a broader rollout of new HIV prevention methods. These studies provide insights into real-world experiences and help identify any potential issues or safety concerns that may arise.
Despite the approval of CAB-LA by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), challenges in accessing an adequate supply have been noted. Limited availability and high costs have hindered widespread distribution of the injection. The current supplier, ViiV Healthcare, is the sole provider of CAB-LA, with generic products expected to enter the market in the coming years. In the meantime, efforts are underway to import CAB-LA for implementation studies through collaborations with organizations like PEPFAR.
The Prepare to Choose study within the FAST PrEP initiative aims to offer CAB-LA to a select group of participants. This study provides an opportunity for individuals to choose between different PrEP options, including the oral pills, vaginal rings, and the CAB-LA injection. The study has observed a positive response from participants, particularly adolescent girls and young women who have shown interest in the new injection as a form of HIV prevention.
With over 11,000 participants enrolled in the FAST PrEP study, efforts are ongoing to expand access to these innovative prevention methods. Peer navigators and study coordinators play a crucial role in educating and counseling individuals about PrEP options in public healthcare facilities. The study is paving the way for a future where HIV prevention is accessible to all who need it, ultimately contributing to a reduction in HIV infections in South Africa.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
