GOVERNMENT says it will continue coming up with various ways in which people can protect themselves from acquiring HIV to avoid new infections and keep the pandemic to a minimal prevalence rate. 

Ministry of Health HIV Prevention Officer, Chimuka Phiri, says the Cabotegravir (CAB LA) vaccine that was launched last year has now been rolled out to 22 sites in the country covering eight of the ten provinces.

Dr. Phiri said this yesterday, during an online meeting meant to equip journalists with the current knowledge on HIV research progress particularly on prevention methods.

He said the ministry wants to widen the choices so that people choose a method that suits them adding that administering of the CAB LA vaccine was being rolled out in a phased manner.

Dr Phiri said next year, the ministry will launch the Dapivirine Viginal Ring (DVR) that protects the women from getting the virus between 50 and 60 percent adding that the ring works by releasing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine from the ring to the vagina.

He said DVR is a method of HIV prevention where a woman will be required to insert a ring inside the vigina so as to protect herself from the virus.

The HIV prevention officer however mentioned that the prevention methods that the government is introducing does not protect one from getting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or pregnancy hence the need for the people to continue using condoms.

“DVR is a method of HIV prevention where a woman wears a ring inside the vigina so as to protect them from acquiring the virus. Government will also continue with other prevention measures such the promotion of condom use, oral prep and CAB LA vaccine among others,” he said.

And Treatment Advocacy Literacy Campaign Officer, Kunyima Banda, said there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding some prep methods, hence the need for the media to give clear and accurate information.

Mr Banda said the country has seen an increase in HIV infection especially among the young people hence the need for the people to have access to correct information if they are to make right decisions.

ZANIS reports CAB LA is a vaccine that is given to people that are HIV negative every two months and are at high risk in order to protect them from acquiring the virus.