A breakthrough injection that helps prevent HIV infection is now being made available to NHS patients in England and Wales, in what health experts are calling a “game changer” for HIV prevention and public health.
The injection, administered every two months, offers a powerful alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which many people at risk of HIV find difficult to take consistently. The jab contains cabotegravir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug that provides continuous protection against the virus.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), thousands of people could benefit from the rollout, including those unable to adhere to daily pill regimens or who face barriers to access traditional prevention methods.
“For vulnerable people who are unable to take other methods of HIV prevention, this represents hope,” said Wes Streeting, the UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. “This is another step toward our goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030″.
Trials have shown that the injection is highly effective, offering up to 99% protection when taken as recommended. Health professionals say it could particularly benefit groups at higher risk, including gay and bisexual men, transgender people, and others exposed to the virus through unprotected sex or shared needles.
Advocates have hailed the rollout as a major leap toward equality in healthcare access. Deborah Gold, CEO of the National AIDS Trust, said: “This new option will give people more control and flexibility in protecting their health. It’s an important milestone in our collective effort to stop HIV once and for all”.
The NHS plans to expand access to the jab through sexual health clinics nationwide over the coming months, alongside continued awareness campaigns and testing initiatives.
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