6 injections a year could stop new HIV infections

SIX shots a year of an antiretroviral (ARV) drug can protect women from contracting HIV, new research shows. Activists say although the jab won’t be available immediately, countries need to start doing the planning — and the maths — to introduce the bimonthly injection now.

A study conducted among 3 200 women found that an injection of a long-lasting ARV called cabotegravir every two months was 89% more effective in preventing HIV in women than the daily HIV prevention pill known as Truvada.

This story is for NewsDay subscribers.