Rwanda has launched the use of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in its efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. PrEP is a medication designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among individuals at high risk. It works by creating a protective barrier in the body, preventing the virus from establishing an infection if exposure occurs. ALSO READ: What to know about Rwanda’s new preventive HIV drug The injectable PrEP was officially introduced on January 3 and is currently being piloted at two health centers in Kigali: Gikondo and Busanza. Depending on the success of the pilot phase, plans for a nationwide rollout are under consideration. Dr. Basile Ikuzo, the Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), explained that the injectable PrEP, known as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered every two months, reducing daily pill intake and improving adherence. This option aims to address challenges associated with oral PrEP, which requires daily doses. The new PrEP is expected to provide a more convenient and discreet alternative for users. ALSO READ: Tackling dangerous myths: Rwanda’s enduring fight against HIV It targets high risk populations such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), discordant couples, and adolescent girls and young women. “This isn’t a service for the general population. It’s designed for individuals at high risk who face challenges with daily medication. The injectable PrEP could help reduce the stigma associated with oral PrEP, particularly among young people,” Ikuzo said. Rwanda has made progress in reducing HIV infections, with annual new cases dropping from 10,000 a decade ago to around 3,000 today. Dr. Ikuzo highlighted that expanding prevention options is key to sustaining and accelerating this progress. “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to ensure everyone at risk has access to the best tools for protection,” he added. The pilot phase will last a year, during which users will be monitored to assess acceptability and effectiveness. Feedback from participants will guide plans for scaling up the program. “At the end of the pilot, we will analyse the data to determine whether to expand the program to all health facilities or continue with oral PrEP alone,” he explained. As with other HIV prevention services in Rwanda, injectable PrEP is provided free of charge. RBC is also preparing an awareness campaign to ensure targeted populations are informed about the new option. “We began sensitization efforts in December, and we plan to roll out a more comprehensive campaign before the end of June,” he said. Rwanda is one of the countries that have advanced in managing HIV/AIDS, having reached the “95-95-95” target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
