ECOM, the Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender, and Sexual Diversity, has launched a pioneering study to explore the implementation of long-acting injectable PrEP, specifically lencapavir, in Kazakhstan. Funded by the WEEPI Foundation, this project marks the first comprehensive qualitative research on the use of injectable PrEP in Central Asia, aiming to improve HIV prevention strategies for key populations and healthcare professionals.
Kazakhstan continues to face a concentrated HIV epidemic, with approximately 35,000 people living with the virus and up to 3,000 new cases annually, primarily among men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and sex workers. While oral PrEP has been available since 2021, challenges such as adherence, stigma, and systemic barriers have limited its effectiveness. Lencapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, offers a transformative approach by reducing dependence on daily pills, lowering social risks, and simplifying service delivery.
Over 12 months, the study will engage 40–50 representatives from key populations and 20–25 healthcare professionals in Almaty and Astana through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The research will identify user preferences, concerns, and barriers, while assessing healthcare professionals’ perspectives on implementing lencapavir-based PrEP, including training needs and systemic challenges. Dr. Nikolai Lunchenkov, the study lead, emphasized that early engagement with users and specialists will help Kazakhstan develop effective strategies and position the country as a regional leader in modern HIV prevention.
An advisory board including community representatives will oversee the study at every stage, from tool adaptation to discussion of results. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KSCDID), the Global Fund implementation team in Kazakhstan, and the Technical University of Munich, which provides methodological and academic support. Coordination is led by Elena German, a seasoned HIV specialist with over 20 years of regional experience.
The study focuses on four main objectives: understanding user knowledge, expectations, preferences, and concerns; analyzing healthcare professionals’ perspectives; assessing social, cultural, and structural factors influencing implementation; and developing practical, data-driven recommendations for service delivery. Findings will guide the development of protocols, training materials, and national guidelines, ensuring smoother rollout of lencapavir-based PrEP in Kazakhstan.
Regionally, this research will be the first large-scale qualitative study on perceptions of injectable PrEP in Central Asia, offering valuable insights for other countries and paving the way for more accessible, sustainable, and user-friendly HIV prevention strategies.
