Getty ImagesCampaigners in Northern Ireland have called for the introduction of a ‘game-changing’ drug that will prevent HIV.
On Friday it was announced cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injections will be introduced in England and Wales, bringing the policy in line with Scotland, in the hope they will help meet the ambition of ending new UK HIV cases by 2030.
The shot, administered six times a year, is an alternative to HIV prevention, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which involves taking daily pills to protect against the virus.
The Department of Health (DoH) said it will consider using this new drug following guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
HIV is a virus that damages the cells in the immune system and weakens the body’s ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
Pills have been available for years and are still effective at stopping HIV infections, but are not always easy for some to take.
It can be hard to access, not practical, or feel embarrassing. For example, people might worry someone like parents or housemates could find the medication.
Homelessness and domestic violence can also make it difficult to take oral PrEP every day.
An injection which lasts for months offers convenience and discretion.
Early results for a different injection called lenacapavir suggest it may even be possible to move people on to an annual HIV prevention jab.
Scott Cuthbertson is CEO of the Rainbow Project, an organisation which works to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of members of the LGBT community.
Mr Cuthbertson described the introduction of cabotegravir as “potentially game changing”.
“Northern Ireland has committed to the target of ending HIV transmission by 2030, but to reach that target we need to be bold and innovative”, he said.
“For those who can’t take or struggle with current HIV prevention methods, it adds a further option in the growing arsenal of preventative medication.”
‘Deeply disappointed’
Lea Dickson of Positive Life, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, said it would be “be deeply disappointing if Northern Ireland did not get access to this new drug”.
“We would like to see a sharper focus on HIV prevention in Northern Ireland: We’re close to eliminating new HIV diagnoses here, but we can’t achieve that without a focused and adequately funded effort,” she said.
“In Northern Ireland we know that stigma, conservative attitudes towards sex and sexuality, and outdated perceptions of HIV still affect how people approach sexual health.
“Any healthcare innovation which empowers people to proactively look after their sexual health must be supported and actively promoted.”
On Friday the DoH said that NICE, a non-departmental public body tasked with producing guidance on the prevention and treatment of ill-health, “published guidance recommending cabotegravir for preventing HIV-1 in adults and young people”.
“When final guidance is issued by NICE, currently expected on 5 November 2025, the department will consider it,” it said.
The department’s link with NICE ensures “treatments that have been recommended by NICE for routine use in the NHS in England are made available in Northern Ireland”.
