In the field of public health, medical and scientific advances continue to bring hope for the prevention of diseases, especially those as devastating as HIV. A recent milestone has been reached in Rwanda with the introduction of the preventive treatment CAB-LA, a promising alternative to the PrEP pills currently offered to people at risk of contracting HIV.
CAB-Ls, newly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), comes in the form of injections to be repeated every two months, thus offering a less restrictive solution than taking daily pills. This new therapeutic approach, welcomed by Dr. Basile Ikuzo, Director of the HIV Prevention Unit in Rwanda, aims to improve treatment adherence and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
With over 10,000 people currently receiving oral PrEP treatment in Rwanda, mainly individuals from high-risk groups such as sex workers and partners of HIV-positive people, the gradual introduction of CAB-LA in the country is of critical importance. Close monitoring of the first injections administered in Kigali will assess the efficacy and acceptability of this new treatment, paving the way for its nationwide expansion.
This initiative is part of Rwanda’s overall prevention and awareness strategy to combat the spread of HIV. The efforts of the Ministry of Health have helped maintain a relatively low prevalence rate of around 3% of the population and significantly reduced the number of new infections in recent years.
In conclusion, this medical breakthrough demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to the fight against HIV and offers promising new perspectives for the prevention of this disease. By combining scientific innovation with a proactive approach to public health, the country is once again demonstrating its determination to improve the well-being of its population and reduce the impact of HIV on society.