Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Health Service (NHS) has launched cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a revolutionary long-acting HIV prevention injection, across England and Wales — a milestone in the UK’s drive to end new HIV infections by 2030.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the rollout as proof of the government’s resolve to “leave no one behind in HIV prevention.” The injection, developed by ViiV Healthcare, will serve adults and adolescents at high risk who struggle with daily PrEP pills.
Administered every two months, CAB-LA provides discreet, stigma-free protection. According to NICE, 1,000 individuals will initially benefit, with distribution through NHS sexual health clinics in the coming months.
“This treatment offers hope to vulnerable groups and moves us closer to zero HIV transmissions,” said Streeting.
Advocates, including Terrence Higgins Trust CEO Richard Angell, cautioned that equitable access remains vital. “If rollout is patchy, people will still be left behind,” he said.
The NHS said it is expanding HIV testing to 89 emergency departments in high-prevalence areas to catch undiagnosed cases early.
CAB-LA’s approval marks a turning point in prevention, demonstrating how innovation, equity, and sustained access can together reshape the fight against HIV.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 