WHO launches Lenacapavir in Africa, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, boosting protection for high-risk populations across nine countries

The rollout, which targets high-risk populations, was highlighted by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a virtual media briefing on global health priorities, including HIV prevention, obesity treatment, and cervical cancer elimination.

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Lenacapavir, approved in 2025, is administered as a six-monthly injection and works by preventing HIV from establishing infection in vulnerable, HIV-negative individuals.

Clinical trials have shown the drug can prevent nearly all infections among consistent recipients, making it one of the most significant developments in HIV prevention in decades.

“Lenacapavir represents the most important advancement in the fight against HIV since the introduction of the first antiretroviral treatments nearly 40 years ago,” Ghebreyesus said, noting that deaths from AIDS have fallen by roughly 70 per cent over the past two decades due to improved treatment access.

The WHO fast-tracked treatment guidelines and prequalification for Lenacapavir to reduce rollout delays.

Within eight months of approval, the organisation supported its introduction in Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

South Africa was the first African country to approve Lenacapavir, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing plans for a large-scale rollout and local production to strengthen supply chains across the region.

Despite the progress, the WHO cautioned that demand is already exceeding current supply. Efforts are underway with governments, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and international partners to expand production and ensure wider access.

Alongside HIV prevention, the WHO highlighted advances in cervical cancer elimination, particularly through expanded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Nearly 60 countries have launched HPV vaccination programmes, while 162 nations have integrated the vaccine into national immunisation schedules.

India recently launched the largest free HPV vaccination drive in history, targeting nearly 12 million 14-year-old girls annually to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

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Ghebreyesus said the combined efforts in HIV prevention and HPV vaccination reflect a growing global momentum to reduce preventable diseases and improve long-term health outcomes worldwide.