Cabotegravir sodium

Ministry of Health workers on the Copperbelt have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening HIV prevention efforts following a comprehensive Training on Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), delivered by CIDRZ with support from the United States Department of State. The training, held across Ndola, Kitwe, and Chingola, brought together healthcare providers from various government health facilities to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their skills in delivering combination HIV prevention services. The training was conducted in readiness for the roll-out of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking, long-acting (twice yearly) PrEP injectable drug. Participants expressed appreciation for the programme, describing it as both timely and impactful in equipping them to respond more effectively to the evolving HIV prevention landscape. Catherine Katentemuna Musonda, a Health Promotions Officer from Ndola District Health Office, who spoke on behalf of other participants, emphasised that learning should not end with the training. She encouraged fellow participants to continue engaging with new information, consulting one another, and strengthening collaboration to ensure service delivery remains well-informed and responsive. Speaking during a session in Kitwe, Ms Francheskie Velez, Director of the Health Coordination Office at the U.S. Embassy, noted that Zambia is among the first countries in Africa to roll out long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention. Launched by the Ministry of Health in early 2024, the initiative provides an alternative to daily oral PrEP, making HIV prevention more convenient for many clients. However, she stressed the importance of adherence, urging healthcare providers to consistently monitor their clients and provide continuous support. She noted that while long-acting injectable drugs reduce the burden of daily medication, they require regular clinic visits, and missed appointments can lead to reduced drug efficacy and an increased risk of HIV acquisition. Ms Velez further highlighted Lenacapavir as a promising addition to HIV prevention, noting its potential to significantly reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among HIV-negative individuals when used correctly. Meanwhile, Dr Maurice Musheke, Chief of Party for CIDRZ’s Controlling HIV Epidemic Project (CHEP), underscored the urgent need to scale up prevention efforts. He noted that Zambia has recorded an increase in HIV incidence, particularly among adolescents and young people, hence the need for healthcare workers to use their newly acquired knowledge to effectively contribute to the HIV response. “The knowledge and skills you have acquired must be used to serve people, enlighten them about the available HIV prevention options so that they make informed decisions, and deliver the service to them based on the product of their choice,” he said. “The goal is to make sure that those who are HIV-negative must be supported to remain negative, including by being initiated on PrEP where appropriate. HIV prevention cannot be achieved by one entity alone, but individually and collectively, we can make significant inroads in containing new HIV infections.” The training forms part of ongoing efforts by CIDRZ, through the Controlling HIV Epidemic Project (CHEP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from the United States Department of State, to equip healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills needed to curb new HIV infections, with a strong emphasis on Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The addition of such long-acting HIV prevention methods is expected to enhance adherence and widen choice for clients, ultimately strengthening the country’s HIV prevention response.

To strengthen HIV prevention efforts, the Controlling HIV Epidemic Project (CHEP), under the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with financial support from the United States Department of State, conducted a six-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on the delivery of different pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products. The training which was held in Ndola, brought together HIV healthcare specialists from CIDRZ, the Copperbelt Provincial Health Office, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Copperbelt District Health Offices, and the United States Department of State. Participants were drawn from Eastern, Western, Lusaka, and Copperbelt provinces. The training was officially opened by Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Dr Charles Mwinuna, and focused on equipping participants with the skills required to deliver combination HIV prevention services. Particular emphasis was placed on oral PrEP, Cabotegravir (2-month injectable PrEP), Lenacapavir (6-month injectable PrEP), and the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR), a long-acting, user-controlled PrEP product designed to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV during vaginal sex. Meanwhile, Dr Paul Mwale, Copperbelt Provincial Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) and Injectable PrEP Coordinator under the Ministry of Health, led a session outlining the mandate of the HIV Prevention Programme, which aims to achieve epidemic control and end AIDS by 2030. He highlighted national targets, including reducing new HIV infections from 28,000 to 15,000 by 2026 and increasing PrEP uptake among key and priority populations to 220,000 annually, emphasising the need for accelerated efforts to meet both national and global goals. In another session, Dr Monica Chibesakunda, CIDRZ’s HIV Testing and Prevention Lead, trained participants on HIV testing services, stressing their role in both preventing new infections and linking individuals to care. She emphasised adherence to national HIV testing guidelines for PrEP initiation and the importance of providing tailored prevention services based on individual risk. Other sessions covered demand generation for PrEP, scheduling PrEP clinical visits, managing beneficiaries who missed appointments, switching beneficiaries between PrEP products, pharmacovigilance, and comprehensive data documentation. The training also addressed the link between Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and HIV risk. Facilitators underscored the importance of integrating GBV and IPV screening into HIV services to support comprehensive, client-centred care. The workshop concluded with participants committing to cascade the knowledge gained and strengthen HIV prevention services, contributing to Zambia’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.