Effective control of the spread of HIV depends on using the right antiretroviral drugs. In 2019, the World Health Organization recommended using the integrase inhibitor, dolutegravir (DTG), in first- and second-line ART regimes, including for pregnant women.1 This recommendation was based on evidence showing that DTG was more effective, easier to take, and had fewer side effects relative to other drugs. It was also found that DTG had a lower risk of developing drug resistance compared to other drugs. By 2021, 110 countries with limited resources had switched to using DTG, and around 22 million people were receiving DTG-based treatment.2 However, recent survey data on HIV drug resistance show concerning levels of DTG resistance.

In this webinar, we will discuss the findings of these studies, particularly in African countries. We will also explore the implications of emerging resistance to DTG at both the public health and individual health levels. These experts in HIV drug resistance will share their insights on how we might effectively combat emerging resistance and preserve the efficacy of available antiretroviral therapies, based on the lessons learned.

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze the emerging country data on drug resistance to HIV-1 integrase inhibitors, with a focus on dolutegravir.

2. Discover the impact of resistance to integrase inhibitors on both public health and individual health, with insights from across Africa.

3. Discuss with global experts about potential solutions to effectively mitigate emerging resistance and questions that still need to be answered.