Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has announced the recent discovery of an injection that can protect an individual from contracting HIV for up to six months, this vaccine-like injection, will be among the main topics to be discussed in a conference happening soon in Rwanda.
The Minister of Health announced this on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during Rwanda’s nationwide Car-free Day, a monthly sports and wellness event aimed at promoting public health. These events are often used as platforms to communicate vital health updates to the population.
This event happened whereas there a few hours left to starting an international conference for 5 days tackling about HIV to be held in Kigali, which will bring together global experts and health leaders across the world.
This conference is going to happen in regards of the vaccine-like injection that can prevent a person from contracting HIV for up to six months, this was announced during the nation-wide sports.
Dr. Sabin mentioned “There’s something new being discussed regarding HIV: a small injection that will be administered once every six months and protects people from acquiring HIV.”
The audience that participated in this event, cheered loudly, Minister added “can see how excited the men are! It’s coming soon, and this injection will be among the main topics discussed by the many experts and leaders we’re welcoming from across the world here in Kigali.”
This injection known as ‘Yeztugo’, was recently approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month
Florence Riako Anam, Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), called this discovery a major opportunity for people at high risk of contracting HIV.
“These are among the scientific advancements we are making, and we call for these prevention methods to be made accessible, as they could help us end new infections.”
Additionally, a daily pill has also been discovered that not only prevents HIV but also unintended pregnancies.
Florence added :“This is especially good news for young women who may face difficult situations and need reliable methods to prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancies, which remain major issues in Africa.”
Rwanda, together with the World Health Organization (WHO), shares the goal of eliminating HIV by the year 2030, in line with the 95-95-95 strategy:
- 95% of people living with HIV will know their status,
- 95% of those diagnosed will be on antiretroviral therapy,
- 95% of those on treatment will achieve viral suppression and thus cannot transmit the virus.
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