Archive · 1 Dec 2025
New HIV-Prevention Injection Launched in Africa
A new injection called Lenacapavir is being introduced in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia to help prevent HIV.
This injection is given twice a year and has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV by more than 99.9%.
This is a big deal because it works almost like a vaccine.
The injection is part of a program to help people in countries where many have HIV.
Right now, it's very expensive, but cheaper versions will be available in 2027.
The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is providing the drug at no profit to two million people over three years.
Critics say this isn't enough and that the current price is too high for most people.
Lenacapavir, a new HIV-prevention injection, reduces transmission risk by 99.9%.
South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia began administering the drug on World AIDS Day.
The injection is given twice a year and is part of a program to help people in high-HIV-burden countries.
Gilead Sciences is providing the drug at no profit to two million people over three years.
Generic versions of Lenacapavir are expected to be available from 2027 at around $40 per year.
- Who
- South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, Unitaid, Gilead Sciences
- What
- Rollout of HIV-prevention injection Lenacapavir
- When
- World AIDS Day ceremonies on Monday
- Where
- South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia
- Why
- To reduce HIV transmission risk by 99.9%
- Drug Name
- Lenacapavir
- Efficacy
- 99.9% risk reduction
- Administration Frequency
- Twice a year
- Countries Involved
- South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia
- Generic Availability
- 2027 in over 100 countries
- Manufacturer
- Gilead Sciences
