Home / Health / Africa Launches HIV Injectable: Twice Yearly Protection
Africa Launches HIV Injectable: Twice Yearly Protection
1 Dec
Summary
- New HIV injection offers over 99.9% protection, taken twice yearly.
- South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia are first to administer the drug.
- US program provides millions of doses to high-burden countries.
Africa is pioneering the rollout of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable for HIV prevention administered only twice annually. South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia commenced public administration of the drug, which has demonstrated over 99.9% efficacy in reducing HIV risk, akin to a potent vaccine. This launch signifies a major stride in regions grappling with the world's highest HIV prevalence.
The injectable's initial deployment is supported by initiatives like Unitaid and a US program that aims to provide two million doses to high-burden nations over three years. While South Africa is funding its own rollout, other countries like Eswatini and Zambia have received initial doses through the US initiative, bolstering national HIV response efforts and offering renewed hope.
Despite these advancements, concerns about drug pricing and accessibility persist, with critics highlighting the market price as prohibitive for many. The move to make generic versions available by 2027 offers future hope for broader access, as progress against HIV faces new challenges amid funding shifts.
