South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia have become the first countries in Africa to launch public campaigns using an innovative injectable HIV-prevention drug. Its key advantages are its high efficacy and long-lasting effect: the injection is required only twice a year. This was reported by
IOL.
Clinical trials have shown that the drug reduces the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 per cent, making it functionally comparable to a powerful vaccine.
The first phase of the drug’s rollout in South Africa is being overseen by the research division of the University of the Witwatersrand. In Eswatini and Zambia, the first batches of the medicine arrived in November, and its introduction was timed to coincide with World AIDS Day on 1 December.
“Today marks a turning point in our national fight against HIV,” said Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini at a ceremonial event where dozens of people received their first dose. According to him, the injection “gives us new hope and a powerful tool to protect our citizens”.
Nationwide rollout of the drug in South Africa is expected next year.
Photo: MargJohnsonVA / iStock
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