Injectable PrEP: Pilot Phase to Strengthen HIV Prevention

T he Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, has laun­ ched the pilot phase of injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP inj.) using long-acting cabotegravir (CAB- LA) for the prevention of HIV in Cameroon. The initiative was unveiled during a press briefing by Dr. Manaouda Ma­ lachie, on July 9 in Douala. Speaking to journalists, the Minister said the launch forms part of the Government’s broa­ der response to HIV under the guidance of President Paul Biya, emphasising protection of public health, equitable ac­ cess to care, and intensified efforts against major ende­ mics. Dr. Manaouda recalled that while Cameroon has re­ corded encouraging progress including a decline in preva­ lence among people aged 15– 49 to about 2.6% in 2024, the country continues to register thousands of new infections each year, with the latest es­ timates pointing to around 21,000 new cases annually. He stressed that injectable PrEP does not replace other prevention tools. It must be used alongside HIV testing, re­ gular medical follow-up, condoms, and prevention against other sexually trans­ mitted infections. The Minis­ ter noted...