Rwanda Introduces WHO-Approved Preventative HIV Medication

Rwanda is preparing to introduce cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP involves the use of antiretroviral drugs by individuals who are HIV-negative to lower their risk of contracting the virus. The initial two doses are given four weeks apart, followed by subsequent injections every eight weeks.

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updated guidelines advocating the use of CAB-LA as an effective pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, encouraging countries to adopt this safe and potent prevention method for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

Currently, around 230,000 individuals live with HIV in Rwanda, with 96% aware of their status and 98% of those confirmed as HIV positive receiving antiretroviral treatment. Rwanda has made remarkable progress in HIV/AIDS management, successfully meeting the “95-95-95” targets established by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).