Dr Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health, officially launched on July 9, 2026 in Douala the pilot phase of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis using cabotegravir. The new prevention option aims to reduce HIV infections and strengthen the country’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, officially launches the pilot phase of long-acting injectable PrEP with cabotegravir in Douala on July 9, 2026, marking a major step toward expanding HIV prevention and accelerating the country’s goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Cameroon has taken another step in modernising its HIV prevention strategy with the official launch of a pilot programme for long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unveiled on July 9 in Douala by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, the initiative introduces long-acting cabotegravir into the country’s prevention package, expanding access to one of the most effective biomedical tools available to prevent HIV infection.
The launch brought together government officials, technical and financial partners, United Nations agencies and members of the media. Addressing the audience, the Minister described the initiative as part of the government’s commitment to strengthening public health through evidence-based innovation. He noted that the programme reflects the
national vision of placing prevention at the centre of the fight against HIV while ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit from advances in medical science.
A new option for people at higher risk
Although Cameroon has made notable progress in reducing the burden of HIV, the epidemic remains a significant public health challenge. National HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 has declined to 2.6 percent, yet nearly 21,000 new infections are still recorded every year. These figures highlight the need to complement existing interventions with prevention methods that better respond to the realities of people who remain at substantial risk of infection.
Unlike oral PrEP, which requires a daily pill, long-acting injectable cabotegravir is administered once every two months. The treatment offers a practical alternative for individuals who may struggle with daily adherence while maintaining a high level of protection against HIV when used as recommended. Health authorities stressed that injectable PrEP does not replace other preventive measures such as condom use, HIV testing and regular medical follow-up. Instead, it reinforces the country’s combined HIV prevention strategy by providing an additional choice tailored to different needs and lifestyles.
Targeted implementation with long-term ambitions
The pilot phase will initially be implemented in areas where HIV transmission remains particularly high, with Douala among the priority locations. According to the Ministry of Public Health, this targeted approach will allow health authorities to maximise the public health impact of the intervention while ensuring efficient use of available resources.
Officials also underlined that successful implementation will depend on strong community engagement, accurate public information and close medical supervision. Raising awareness and addressing misconceptions surrounding PrEP are expected to play a crucial role in encouraging acceptance among eligible beneficiaries.
The introduction of injectable cabotegravir comes at a time when many countries are facing shrinking international funding for HIV programmes. By investing in high-impact prevention interventions, Cameroon is reinforcing its National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS 2024-2030 while advancing its goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by the end of the decade. The pilot programme could also generate valuable evidence to support future nationwide expansion, further strengthening the country’s response to the epidemic.
