Africa begins HIV prevention with the first public rollout of lenacapavir, a new injectable drug. South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia started administering the twice-yearly injection this week.
Lenacapavir has shown remarkable results, reducing the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9%. Health experts describe the rollout as a major breakthrough for the region, which carries the highest HIV burden globally.
South Africa Leads Initial Program
In South Africa, where roughly one in five adults lives with HIV, a Wits University research unit is overseeing the initial rollout. The program is funded by Unitaid, a United Nations health agency. The first patients have begun receiving injections, with a broader national rollout expected next year.
Zambia and Eswatini launched lenacapavir on Monday, coinciding with World AIDS Day events. Both countries received 1,000 doses last month to begin distribution in high-risk populations.
Gilead Commitment and Challenges
Manufacturer Gilead Sciences has pledged to provide the drug at no profit to two million people in high-burden countries over three years. Despite this, critics say the supply falls short of demand, and the commercial price remains unaffordable for most Africans.
Experts hope the rollout will significantly curb HIV transmission in eastern and southern Africa. Together, these regions account for about 52% of the 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide.
