This follows World Health Organisation (WHO)
recommendations in July 2022 that CAB-LA may be offered to people at
substantial risk of HIV acquisition as part of comprehensive HIV prevention
approaches.
Studies show that CAB-LA injections; if taken every two
months are safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective in reducing the risk of
HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender, and cisgender
women.
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director
Itai Rusike said the injectable had proven to be effective in HIV prevention.
He said it was widely available and accessible.
“Prep dramatically
reduces the risk of HIV acquisition for women as well as men. We are aware that
for more than a decade, WHO has recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding
women at risk of HIV should be offered Prep.
The people of Zimbabwe should embrace this new development in order to
reduce the risk of HIV infection.”
Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of
Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa said the injectable would be more efficient
in pregnant mothers.
“Drug compliance was becoming a challenge for most patients
so an injectable is better as it is long lasting.”
WHO director of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually
Transmitted Infection programmes, Meg Doherty said CAB-LA would pave way for
more safe and effective options for HIV prevention.
Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network
representative Nyasha Sithole said it would contribute to the basket of HIV
prevention tools that work for girls and women in Zimbabwe. Newsday
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