The countries of southern Africa have taken an important step in the field of public health: South Africa, Zambia and Eswatini were the first to launch the widespread use of an injectable drug for HIV prevention, which provides protection at a level close to full — more than 99.9%. The drug with the active ingredient lenacapavir is used only twice a year and is considered by experts as one of the most promising solutions in the field of preventing the spread of the virus.
A new implementation program has been launched in South Africa under the supervision of the Witwatersrand University Research Center. The country has become a key platform for the first large-scale research, and then the launch of a public campaign. Zambia and Eswatini received the first shipments of the drug in November, timed to coincide with World AIDS Day. The leaders of these countries emphasize that lenacapavir can change the approach to combating the epidemic, especially among populations at high risk of infection.
The drug belongs to the means of pre-exposure prophylaxis, which prevent infection in case of possible contact with the virus. An important advantage is not only efficiency, but also ease of use: the injection is given once every six months, which significantly reduces the likelihood of missed doses typical of tablet regimens.
Prime Minister Eswatini noted that the new strategy opens up opportunities for a real breakthrough in the long-standing fight against the spread of HIV. As part of the launch campaign, dozens of residents have already received the first dose of the drug, and the authorities expect to accelerate the scaling of the availability of injections in the coming months.
At the same time, international organizations are working to increase the availability of prevention at the global level. Thanks to Unitaid's agreements with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers, starting in 2027, more than a hundred countries will be able to purchase lenacapavir generics. This will significantly reduce the cost of prevention and expand coverage, especially in countries with limited health budgets.
South Africa plans to launch the drug nationwide as early as next year. It is expected that the annual use of a preventive injection will help reduce the number of new infections and will become a key element in the strategy to combat the virus on the continent.
