Zambia has received the second batch of the Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention from the United States government through the USAID Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement & Supply Management (GHSC-PSM).
In February 2024, Zambia became the first African country to have access to Injectable PrEP after receiving 15,000 vials of CAB-LA and was launched by Health Minister, Honorable Sylvia Masebo.
CAB-LA is an intramuscular injectable, long-acting form of PrEP, with the first 2 injections administered 4 weeks apart, followed thereafter by an injection every 8 weeks.
Studies found that use of CAB-LA resulted in a 79% relative reduction in HIV risk compared with oral PrEP, where adherence to taking daily oral medication was often a challenge.
ZAMMSA is happy to note that CAB-LA is a safe and highly effective HIV prevention tool which will drastically help in mitigating HIV infections across the country.
The new consignment, 20,250 vials, was received by Director General Victor Nyasulu at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) central warehouse today and will be distributed to selected health facilities across the country.