Africa Rolls Out Lenacapavir HIV Prevention

South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia have initiated the public rollout of lenacapavir, a new HIV-prevention injection, marking its first administration in Africa. This drug, taken twice a year, has demonstrated over 99.9% effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission. The rollout in South Africa is overseen by a Wits University research unit and funded by Unitaid. Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer, has pledged to provide lenacapavir at no profit to two million people in high HIV burden countries over three years, though critics argue this is insufficient given the high cost of $28,000 per person annually in the United States. Generic versions are anticipated to be available from 2027 at a significantly lower cost, facilitated by agreements between Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and Indian pharmaceutical companies. This development is crucial for eastern and southern Africa, which accounts for a large portion of the global HIV population.