France is poised to welcome a long-awaited preventive treatment for HIV, cabotegravir, which is marketed under the name Apretude by ViiV Healthcare, a subsidiary of the British pharmaceutical company GSK. This injectable medication offers a critical preventive measure against HIV infection and signifies a significant advancement in public health efforts to combat the virus. The treatment will be fully reimbursed due to its high costs and essential role in prevention, as confirmed by a recent government decree published in the official journal.

The introduction of cabotegravir, which is administered every two months, has been eagerly anticipated by health associations and specialists who have advocated for enhanced preventive options in the face of the ongoing HIV epidemic. The availability of such medication aims to increase protection against HIV transmission, especially for those at higher risk. However, it is noteworthy that the treatment is not recommended for women of childbearing age, which may raise discussions regarding its accessibility and implications for different demographics.

Additionally, this preventive approach, known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), complements existing preventive measures already available in France, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to improve public health outcomes related to HIV. The anticipation and forthcoming rollout of cabotegravir represent a proactive step in reducing new HIV infections and underline France's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions in response to long-standing public health challenges.