Cabotegravir PrEP: Joint ADPH and EHSHCG briefing
Injectable CAB‑PrEP: Preparing for Roll‑out Through Joint National Leadership
Injectable Cabotegravir (CAB‑PrEP), expected to be fully available from February 2026, represents a major step forward in HIV prevention for people who cannot use oral PrEP. As a long‑acting, two‑monthly injectable, it reduces adherence challenges and broadens prevention options across local systems.
This work is being led jointly by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) and the English HIV & Sexual Health Commissioners’ Group (EHSHCG), reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring consistent national leadership, coherent messaging and coordinated implementation across England. The joint briefing brings together public health, commissioning and clinical perspectives to support local systems in preparing for roll‑out.
CAB‑PrEP arrives at a time of rising demand, increasing costs and significant workforce pressures in sexual health services. While it supports progress towards the HIV Action Plan, its introduction brings new operational, tariff and resource considerations that require coordinated planning across local authorities and providers.
The ADPH–EHSHCG briefing recommends that local authorities:
- Use the NICE resource impact template to understand potential demand.
- Develop localised costing models tailored to local capacity and need.
- Work collaboratively with providers, commissioners and clinicians to assess workforce implications and ensure sustainable delivery.
On Thursday 26th February, EHSHCG are also hosting a one-hour webinar aimed at commissioners and service leads which will walk through the briefing, outline key cost and workforce considerations, and set out practical next steps for local planning. Speakers will include the new President of BASHH, representatives from NHSE as well as EHSHCG. All stakeholders, including Directors of Public Health, consultants, commissioners and other public health staff are invited to attend to strengthen collective readiness for CAB‑PrEP roll‑out and future HIV prevention innovations.