The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) commenced the distribution of the first ever long lasting injectable Antiretroviral Viral (ARV) drug, Cabotegravir Long-Acting (CAB-LA) commonly referred to as the Injectable PrEP for HIV prevention.
On 9th of February 2024, Zambia become the first African country to receive 15,000 vials of the Injectable PrEP which plays a significant role in the prevention of the HIV Virus. Speaking when she launched the drug in Chibombo, Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo encouraged the citizenry to take advantage of the drug as a protection mechanism against the spreading of the HIV virus. Ms. Masebo further assured the public on the safety of the drug despite Zambia being among the first countries to use the drug.
The long-lasting Injectable PrEP is expected to help significantly reduce the numbers of HIV infections as it has the capacity to offer a two months’ prevention window from the last time of injection.
ZAMMSA has since delivered the drug to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Mwanjuni Health Post in Chibombo, Kitwe USAID discover hub and Nakambala Urban Health Centre.
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