WHO calls for international rollout of long-acting HIV antivirals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the first twice-yearly injection as a tool to prevent HIV infection. The injectable prep drug is a long-acting alternative to the current daily pills and could make prevention more accessible globally at a critical time when such efforts are stagnating.

Public health and HIV expert Dr Bridget Haire explained why the new drug is a game changer. Taking a daily pill can be burdensome, and it's easy to forget. A treatment that only needs to be administered twice a year has the potential to align well with other routines, such as injectable contraception, which is typically given every three months.

This kind of regimen could significantly improve adherence to treatment, which is considered game-changing. In his view, this represents the most exciting advancement in HIV therapy since 1996.