The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant breakthrough in HIV prevention, recommending the use of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable medication. This long-acting option offers an easier alternative to daily pills, providing near-total protection against HIV.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the medication’s remarkable effectiveness, with only two cases of HIV recorded among over 2,000 participants. Notably, lenacapavir provided complete protection for women and adolescent girls in Africa, a population often underserved by current HIV prevention methods.
The injectable medication is particularly valuable for individuals who face stigma, difficulties with daily adherence, or limited access to consistent healthcare. WHO has promoted a simplified HIV testing approach based on rapid diagnostic tests, eliminating the need for complex laboratory infrastructure and allowing long-acting PrEP options to be delivered through community-based platforms.
WHO urges governments, donors, and global health partners to begin rolling out lenacapavir within national combination HIV prevention programs immediately, while carefully monitoring uptake, adherence, and overall impact. With an estimated 1.3 million new HIV infections recorded in 2024, this recommendation marks a critical step forward in expanding access to this powerful tool.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
