Long-acting HIV Antiretrovirals adopted in Botswana
Last week, Health Minister Edwin Dikoloti announced Botswana has adopted the use of long-acting antiretroviral injectables for HIV treatment.
Minister Dikoloti delivered a keynote at the annual HIV/TB Summit in Francistown (Botswana) where he stated "We have, as a country, embraced a transformative leap in HIV care through the adoption of Long-acting Antiretroviral Injectables, specifically Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine."
This decision has been made as part of Botswana's 2023 HIV Clinical Care Guidelines, which highlights the country's dedication to improving their citizens' lives.
These medications are already registered with the medical regulatory authority in Botswana, showing their commitment to remaining at the forefront of medical advancements.
In Dikoloti's address he stated that the country's central medical stores (CMS) have embarked on the procurement process for these long-acting injectables. However, there was a need to manage expectations as this is proving a timely endeavour due to their current unavailability in the market.
Despite this additional time, Dikoloti said this decision represents a shift in Botswana's pursuit to ensure effective, accessible and patient-centric HIV care.
Botswana was among the first countries to achieve the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets in 2021, becoming the first high HIV burden country certified in the Silver Tier of the "Path to Elimination" of vertical transmission of HIV.
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