Quebec covers costs for injectable HIV prevention medication

Quebec has become the first province in Canada to publicly fund Apretude, a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention. This development is seen as a vital step by health experts, who hope it will make prevention more accessible. Tim Lagman, a sexual health educator, has been using a daily pill to reduce his risk of HIV. He believes the injectable option, administered every two months, could ease the burden for many. “Every other month would be a lot easier for me,” he said. Approved by Health Canada in 2024, Apretude is given through intramuscular injections. Dr. Réjean Thomas, a prominent figure in HIV prevention, notes this is the first injectable treatment for HIV prevention in Canada, which may help those who have difficulty remembering daily medications. Despite the new coverage, the number of new HIV infections in Canada rose by 35% from 2022 to 2023. Experts cite various factors, including limited testing during the pandemic and insufficient access to healthcare. Dr. Cécile Tremblay from CHUM hospital emphasizes the need for innovative outreach and better access to testing and prevention. Currently, the injectable option is available in Quebec, but not entirely free for all users. Many still face out-of-pocket costs. Advocates are pushing for complete coverage of all prevention methods. Dr. Darrel Tan highlights that not everyone can take daily pills due to personal circumstances, so having multiple options for prevention is crucial. Other injectable treatment options are also being explored, with promising developments allowing for injections even less frequently. Ken Monteith, who has lived with HIV since 1997, stresses the importance of providing varied treatment options that fit individual lifestyles. However, he and others point to ongoing barriers to accessing HIV screening, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the need for political support to ensure these services are available.