Injectable HIV-prevention Drug Launches in Zambia
February 13th, 2024 | news
Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia Masebo applauds the arrival of injectable PrEP (CAB-LA) in Zambia, and the eminent roll-out across the country.
Ms. Miranda Zulu is a 23-year-old community volunteer who lives in Zambia’s Central Province with her parents and hopes to become a nurse. She is also the first person outside the United States to receive injectable pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP). “ I chose injectable PrEP as my HIV prevention method as it’s effective and lasts a long time. Right now I feel so great, I have peace of mind. ”
This groundbreaking HIV prevention drug is now available in Zambia, potentially protecting thousands of Zambians like Miranda from HIV acquisition. JSI’s USAID DISCOVER-Health Project is partnering with the Ministry of Health in the roll-out of long-acting injectable cabotegravir, known as injectable PrEP or CAB-LA. Today’s launch marks Zambia as the second country to provide injectable PrEP outside a study setting.
When injectable PrEP is issued every two months, it can almost eliminate a person’s chance of contracting HIV. The drug blocks the HIV replication process, so if someone is exposed the virus is unable to take hold. Oral PrEP, a daily HIV-prevention pill, has been available in Zambia since 2018, and the newly launched injectable PrEP will be integrated into service delivery, giving existing and new clients another HIV prevention option.
Dr. Ryan Phelps, Zambia chair for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, speaks at the CAB-LA Launch event, held at the USAID DISCOVER-Health supported Mwanjuni Health Post.
Dorcas, a nurse at the Mwanjuni Health Post, accepts the first box of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as she prepares to administer the first dose in Zambia.
The project is offering injectable PrEP in selected sites in the Copperbelt and Central provinces, says Project Director Dr. Mutinta Nyumbu. “We feel honored that the first injection of CAB-LA in Zambia is at Mwanjuni Health Post, one of the MOH sites that is supported by USAID DISCOVER-Health. This is in recognition of the large number of people, especially adolescents and young people, who have accessed oral PrEP at this site. Although oral PrEP has high acceptability among young people, continuation for longer periods is a challenge. It is our hope that injectable PrEP will improve health outcomes for people in Zambia.”
In preparation for the roll-out of injectable PrEP, the project led the:
- Adaptation of the training curriculum and training of service providers.
- Development of various service provision forms and registers.
- Preparation and assessment of health facilities in readiness for roll out.
- Development of human-centered designed tools for clients and providers.
- Involving priority populations such as adolescents and young people in roll-out design.
On February 9, the project supported the launch of injectable PrEP at Mwanjuni Health Post. Hundreds of people gathered, including Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia Masebo and community leaders for music, speeches, and dancing.
Dr. Ryan Phelps, Zambia chair for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, said “It is important that people at risk of acquiring HIV can choose the HIV prevention method that works best for them and fits into their lifestyle. For those who have trouble taking a pill every day to prevent HIV, this long-acting injectable may be a more manageable option.”
Dorcas, a nurse at Mwanjuni Health Post, counsels Miranda on injectable PrEP, or CAB-LA, as Miranda prepares to be the first person in Zambia to start on the newly available HIV prevention method.
Photos: Jason Mulikita for JSI
