Long-acting Antiretroviral Agents in the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS: A Review of Recent Advances in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract

Long-acting antiretroviral (LAARV) agents have the potential to enhance treatment and prevention by eliminating the need for daily oral medications and increasing available options. This paper reviewed recent evidence on LAARVs and explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing these innovative prevention and treatment strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Several clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of LAARVs in key populations in SSA are ongoing or recently completed. While the effectiveness, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of LAARVs compared to existing oral therapies have been established, these products are not yet widely used in SSA. Significant logistical challenges in integrating LAARVs into clinic workflows under the poor health systems that are common in SSA necessitate a multi-sectoral, patient-centered approach, including the use of non-traditional healthcare delivery models.