Injectable PrEP Promises HIV Prevention Revolution
Six-Month HIV Prevention Shots Could Transform Access for Vulnerable Groups
A groundbreaking injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offering six months of HIV protection could redefine prevention strategies, particularly for those facing barriers to daily medication or regular clinic visits.
Advancing HIV Prevention
At the 2025 International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, health authorities highlighted the potential of these long-acting injectables. **Hasina Subedar**, a senior technical advisor with South Africa’s National Department of Health, discussed how the innovation could significantly impact HIV prevention, especially in underserved communities.
**Subedar**, who has overseen South Africa’s oral PrEP program since 2015, emphasized the importance of building on existing successes with novel technologies. She noted that while oral PrEP was a major advancement, longer-acting formulations offer enhanced, consistent protection for individuals who may find adherence to daily pills challenging.
Targeting High-Risk Populations
The injectable format presents a significant advantage for specific groups. Pregnant women, who are at a higher risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding but may struggle with consistent healthcare access, stand to benefit immensely. A six-month injectable could provide crucial protection throughout these critical periods with fewer required medical appointments.
Young adults, particularly university students embracing new independence, are another key demographic. **Subedar** pointed out that many young people do not prioritize HIV prevention and often avoid healthcare services. Long-acting injectables offer a discreet, low-maintenance alternative that can seamlessly integrate into their lifestyles, reducing access barriers.
“If we identify areas where we could actually access those individuals—especially if you’re looking at universities—a lot of young people, when they first go to university, they live (on their own) firsthand. They’re away from home. They are exposed to all kinds of things and new-found freedom, and we need to make sure that they can enjoy that freedom,” she said. “By giving them a six-monthly long-acting injectable, we can help them to enjoy life.”
—Hasina Subedar, Senior Technical Advisor, South Africa’s National Department of Health
As the array of prevention tools expands, **Subedar** stressed the critical need to align the right intervention with the appropriate population. She believes that six-month injectables will make HIV prevention more practical and accessible for those who need it most.
This shift towards long-acting injectables aligns with global efforts to end the HIV epidemic. In 2022, over 1.2 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy in South Africa alone, highlighting the scale of ongoing prevention and treatment efforts (UNAIDS 2022).