Closing the information gap: New HIV prevention methods
MASVINGO – Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but a critical gap remains – a lack of awareness among students and the general public about new HIV prevention products approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Female Students Network Trust (FSNT) has sounded the alarm, highlighting the need for education and awareness campaigns to inform students about these innovative tools.
The FSNT Executive Director, Evernice Munando, emphasized that many students are unaware of the new prevention tools.
“Most students know of condoms as the prevention method. They have not heard of other methods. I urge that the health ministry and partners disseminate the information widely. Very few, maybe those taking health related studies know of the long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and the dapivirine vaginal ring,” said Munando in an interview with the Mirror.
The novel tools are approved by WHO as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPs) for HIV prevention.
“These products offer additional options for HIV prevention, but it’s crucial to promote comprehensive prevention strategies, including condom use, to ensure overall sexual health and well-being,” said Munando.
The new HIV prevention methods have been described in some circles as silver bullets, while other analysts expressed concern that their use without the promotion of the condom will lead to an upsurge in STIs.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) approved the use of the dapivirine vaginal ring and the injectable cabotegravir.
