‘Game-Changing’ HIV Prevention Jab Set for NHS Approval

Published: 17 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A groundbreaking injection designed to prevent HIV is set to be approved for use in England and Wales, marking a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to eliminate new transmissions of the virus. The long-acting jab, known as cabotegravir (CAB-LA), will offer an alternative to the daily oral medication currently used for HIV prevention, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The injection, administered once every two months, is expected to transform HIV prevention by providing a more accessible and convenient option for people who struggle to take daily pills. In draft guidance released on Friday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the treatment for adults and young people at high risk of HIV who cannot take oral PrEP due to medical or personal barriers.

The jab is already available on the NHS in Scotland, where it has been hailed as a significant step forward in the fight against HIV. Its anticipated rollout in England and Wales will follow NICE’s final approval later this year, with implementation expected to begin within three months of publication.

Health secretary Wes Streeting described the forthcoming approval as “game-changing,” emphasising the government’s determination to make England the first country in the world to end HIV transmission by 2030. “For vulnerable people who are unable to take other methods of HIV prevention, this represents hope,” he said. “We’re making real progress on HIV, with PrEP use up by 8% this year. This breakthrough treatment is another powerful tool in our arsenal to reach that crucial goal.”

More than 111,000 people accessed PrEP through sexual health clinics across England in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), reflecting a 7% rise compared to the previous year. The figures demonstrate growing awareness and use of HIV prevention measures, which have been credited with helping to significantly reduce infection rates over the past decade.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said the new injection could make a critical difference for those unable to use current treatments. “HIV remains a serious public health challenge, but we now have powerful tools to prevent new infections,” she said. “Around 1,000 people in England cannot have daily oral PrEP due to medical contraindications or other barriers, which is why this injection offers an effective option for this community.”

The injection’s approval is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 people per year in England, providing long-lasting protection without the need for daily medication. Experts believe that long-acting PrEP could help overcome adherence challenges faced by some individuals, particularly those who find it difficult to maintain a daily pill routine due to stigma, privacy concerns, or side effects.

Public health advocates and HIV charities have welcomed the news, describing it as a “revolutionary step” in modern HIV prevention. They note that the injection’s availability could help close gaps in access and reduce health inequalities among groups disproportionately affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men, transgender people, and ethnic minorities.

Medical professionals have also highlighted the potential benefits for younger populations and those with chaotic lifestyles, where adherence to daily medication can be challenging. By reducing the frequency of dosing, the new jab could ensure more consistent protection and ultimately save lives.

The move comes amid a broader national strategy to eradicate new HIV infections within the decade. The government’s ongoing initiatives include expanded testing, increased access to PrEP, improved education, and greater investment in community-based outreach services.

As England and Wales prepare for the rollout, campaigners are calling for a smooth and equitable implementation to ensure that everyone who could benefit from the injection can access it without delay. The anticipated approval represents both a medical and social milestone, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in global HIV prevention efforts.

Once NICE issues its final guidance, NHS trusts across England and Wales will begin preparing for distribution, expected to begin early next year. Health experts are optimistic that this innovation, combined with existing prevention tools, will bring the UK closer to achieving its vision of ending HIV transmission by 2030.