Africa Gets New Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot

Eswatini has made history as the first African country to receive lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable for HIV prevention. This medication, administered twice yearly, has shown near-total protection in clinical trials and is being heralded as a significant breakthrough in combating the virus across the continent. The initial rollout is facilitated by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in collaboration with the Global Fund.

The U.S. approved lenacapavir in June, and its availability in Eswatini this year marks an unprecedented speed for a new HIV medicine reaching sub-Saharan Africa. Gilead Sciences, the developer, highlighted Eswatini's unique position as the country with the highest HIV incidence globally. The initiative plans to benefit at least 2 million people by 2027 in ten high-risk African nations, with initial shipments also reaching Zambia.

This advancement comes at a crucial time, with UNAIDS emphasizing the importance of long-acting injectables amid concerns over potential foreign funding cuts. While South Africa anticipates its own rollout in April 2026, its health minister has expressed concerns about supply limitations. Gilead has significantly reduced the drug's price for lower-income countries, though debates persist regarding access and local manufacturing involvement.