New HIV drug has ‘energised the LGBT community

A new jab, which will help prevent HIV transmissions, has been described as a ‘game changer’ by an LGBT charity in Northern Ireland.

The drug is already in use in other parts of the UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended introducing the new injectable PrEP for patients in Northern Ireland.

It will be an alternative to PrEP in tablet form, which is taken daily, to prevent HIV transmission. The new Cabotegravir injection is taken every few months, making it more accessible to many.

According to The Rainbow Project, which is the leading health organisation that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people in Northern Ireland, it will be a ‘game changer’.

The organisation said between 1000-2000 people are living with HIV in Northern Ireland, and there are around 50 new transmissions here every year.

CEO Scott Cuthbertson said it will help limit stigma.

He said: “Northern Ireland has committed to the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 – providing more accessible options for HIV prevention brings us one step closer to that goal.

“But more work must be done, particularly in the area of education on HIV prevention and treatment, reducing stigma, and increasing the uptake of sexual health testing.”

Alexa Moore, from The Rainbow Project, told The Irish News PrEP is not accessible to all: “It will help with folk who are homeless or who may just struggle with routines in terms of taking tablets or struggle with swallowing medication, so this could potentially be a game changer for prevention.”

Alexa said stigma adds a huge barrier in prevention: “The problem is maybe people not wanting to go to get tested or to be aware of their status and maybe people just don’t know about PrEP.

“If we look back to 40-50 years ago, back then it (HIV) was a death sentence. Now, people live happy, healthy and long lives, living with HIV.

“It is being seen as a game changer. I think people are really excited about this… it has really energised and animated the community and particularly those at a high risk… we could end new HIV transmissions for 2030 and that’s an exciting prospect.”