Cambodia Pioneers HIV Prevention with CAB-LA and Dapivirine Vaginal Ring Introduction

Strategic Insights -

Cambodia has made significant strides in its HIV response by becoming the first country in Asia and the Pacific to integrate both CAB-LA (long-acting injectable PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring into its public health system. This historic move marks a major advancement in HIV prevention for women, offering a discreet, long-acting, and user-controlled option to reduce the risk of HIV infection. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Authority, and the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHADS), in partnership with UNAIDS, the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, civil society, and community networks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodia is the first country in Asia and the Pacific to introduce both CAB-LA and the dapivirine vaginal ring into its public health system, marking a significant advancement in HIV prevention for women.
  • The dapivirine vaginal ring is the first HIV prevention method of its kind, worn inside the vagina, releasing antiretroviral medicine over one month, providing continuous protection against HIV.
  • The initiative empowers women to protect themselves in a discreet and convenient way, without needing daily adherence, and contributes to broader goals in sexual and reproductive health and rights.
  • The rollout is supported by the Australian Government through the Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, part of Australia's Partnerships for a Healthy Region programme.
  • The collaboration aims to accelerate access to innovative HIV prevention tools, strengthen community leadership, and promote inclusive, gender-responsive health responses across Cambodia and the region.
  • Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health, Youk Sambath, made recommendations for the implementation of DVR-PrEP services and HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, including providing services without discrimination and strengthening the quality of HIV and STI diagnosis and treatment services.
  • The introduction of the dapivirine vaginal ring is a result of close collaboration between UNAIDS, the Ministry of Health, NCHADS, civil society organisations, and community partners, ensuring the introduction is scientifically sound, socially responsive, and grounded in the lived realities of women.

Statistics:

  • Cambodia is the first country in Asia and the Pacific to introduce both CAB-LA and the dapivirine vaginal ring into its public health system.
  • The dapivirine vaginal ring is the first HIV prevention method of its kind, worn inside the vagina.
  • The ring releases antiretroviral medicine over one month, providing continuous protection against HIV.
  • The rollout is supported by the Australian Government through the Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, part of Australia's Partnerships for a Healthy Region programme.

Sources:

  • UNAIDS
  • Ministry of Health, Cambodia
  • National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHADS), Cambodia
  • Australian Embassy in Cambodia
  • UNAIDS Multi-Country Office for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Malaysia
  • Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership
  • Partnerships for a Healthy Region programme