In 2020, around 1.5 million people were newly infected with HIV.1 Women and girls account for half of all new infections, while key populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and closed settings, and transgender people) represent two-thirds. Although the majority of new infections continue to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, rates of infection in the region have declined. This is in stark contrast to the 43% increase in infection rate in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Three types of PrEP have been approved for use by people at risk of HIV infection: oral PrEP, dapivirine (DPV) vaginal ring and longacting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA).

In December 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CAB-LA as a third option for prevention of HIV infection.5 CAB-LA is from the class of antiretrovirals called HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors that block the replication of the virus. It is also approved for treatment of HIV if used in combination with the long-acting injectable rilpivirine. CAB-LA is supplied as 600mg/3ml vial, and delivered as an injection every two months. It is approved for use in at-risk adolescents and adults weighing at least 35kg. WHO is expected to release recommendations for the use of CAB-LA in July 2022.