WHO Recommends Swift Rollout of Pioneering Long-Acting HIV Prevention Jab
Geneva, Switzerland – July 14, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a significant recommendation, urging countries to expedite the introduction and widespread rollout of the world’s first long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention. This landmark development offers a promising new tool in the global fight against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
The newly recommended injectable, known as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), represents a substantial advancement beyond the daily oral pills currently used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Clinical trials have demonstrated its high efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition among individuals at substantial risk. The jab, administered every two months after an initial loading dose, provides a convenient and discreet alternative to daily adherence to oral medication.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the potential impact of this new prevention method. “This long-acting injectable offers a powerful new option for people who may struggle with the daily commitment of taking pills,” Dr. Tedros stated. “Expanding access to effective HIV prevention tools, like this injectable, is crucial for achieving our goal of ending the AIDS epidemic.”
The WHO’s guideline update, published today in the Health section of the UN news feed, provides comprehensive recommendations for national health programs on how to integrate CAB-LA into existing HIV prevention strategies. These guidelines cover aspects such as eligibility criteria, dosage, safety monitoring, and counseling for recipients.
Key benefits highlighted by the WHO include:
- Improved Adherence: For some individuals, the less frequent administration of an injection can significantly improve adherence compared to daily oral medication, thereby enhancing its effectiveness.
- Discreetness: The injectable nature of the prevention method can offer greater privacy and discretion for users.
- Novelty in Prevention: This advancement diversifies the available options for HIV prevention, catering to a wider range of individual needs and preferences.
The organization acknowledges that the successful implementation of this new tool will require robust public health infrastructure, including the availability of trained healthcare professionals to administer the injections and effective supply chain management. The WHO is committed to supporting countries in navigating these challenges and ensuring equitable access to the injectable PrEP.
This recommendation marks a pivotal moment in HIV prevention efforts, offering renewed hope and a tangible step forward in the ongoing global response to the epidemic. Health ministries and organizations worldwide are encouraged to review the WHO’s guidance and begin planning for the timely and efficient integration of this groundbreaking long-acting injectable into their national HIV prevention programs.
WHO urges rollout of first long-acting HIV prevention jab
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Health published ‘WHO urges rollout of first long-acting HIV prevention jab’ at 2025-07-14 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.