South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia have launched the first public rollouts of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV-prevention injection taken twice a year that reduces transmission risk by over 99.9%. The rollout in South Africa, overseen by Wits University and funded by Unitaid, marks one of the first real-world uses of the drug in low- and middle-income countries, with broader distribution planned for next year. Zambia and Eswatini celebrated the launch with public events, emphasizing the injection as a major step in the fight against HIV. Despite its promise, high costs and limited doses currently restrict access to the drug. However, generic versions are expected by 2027, promising to make the drug affordable across Africa.
Le Monde
