Amid Devastating Budget Cuts, Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Injectable Launches in Eswatini, Lesotho & Malawi The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is proud to announce the roll out of CAB-LA (cabotegravir-long acting), a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, in Eswatini, and Malawi, and a pilot project in Lesotho - a major milestone in the fight against HIV. IPPF Member Associations (MAs) in the three countries - Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA), and Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM) will soon begin to distribute CAB-LA for HIV prevention to individuals who would like to use this form of HIV prevention. CAB-LA, a long-acting injectable PrEP, is a game changer for HIV prevention. PrEP is an HIV prevention method where HIV-negative individuals take medication to significantly reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. Administered every 8 weeks, CAB-LA greatly reduces infection risk and does not rely on remembering to take a daily pill, addressing adherence challenges faced by some people using oral PrEP. This roll-out comes when US budget cuts have severely impacted governments and organizations providing sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention, and humanitarian aid. These financial restrictions have significantly impacted access to essential sexual and reproductive health medications globally, compromising HIV prevention and treatment for many, especially those most in need. The arrival of CAB-LA is a major step forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS, providing longer-term protection, a more convenient option, and a discreet alternative to daily pills. Family Life Association of Eswatini, Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association, and the Family Planning Association of Malawi will be providing CAB-LA for PrEP through their static clinics and other public service delivery points. This effort underscores the vital role our MAs play in securing and delivering universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. #HIV #Prevention #HIVPrevention #PrEP #Eswatini #Lesotho #Malawi #STI #CABLA (fb)

Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war in Ukraine. The UN has documented 376 cases of conflict-related sexual violence during Russia’s war — including 262 men raped and tortured in detention by Russian authorities. And these are just the known cases. Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN estimates that over 50% of detainees have experienced rape, torture, and sexual violence. This isn’t just about occupying land — it’s about occupying people. Sexual violence is being weaponized to strip Ukrainians of their autonomy, dignity, and freedom. Even their bodies are treated as territory to be seized. Our member association, Women Health and Family Planning, is responding on the ground — delivering essential sexual and reproductive health care, training frontline doctors, running survivor hotlines, and leading information campaigns to support affected communities. Freedom from rape, torture, and fear is a human right. At IPPF, we will never stop fighting for safety, dignity, and justice — for Ukraine and for all people. We demand freedom and safety for Ukraine — from sexual violence and occupation, two sides of the same coin. #StandWithUkraine #EndSexualViolence #HumanRights #IPPF #Ukraine (fb)