The United States has delivered a new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, to Eswatini and Zambia, beginning its rollout in Africa. This move comes after US government aid for global health dropped significantly in recent months.
The US, working with the Global Fund and Gilead Sciences, delivered 1,000 doses of Lenacapavir to the two countries, with administration starting this week. US officials aim to fund two million doses for low- and middle-income African nations, targeting a goal by 2028 or sooner.
Lenacapavir is an injectable drug that only needs to be taken twice a year, providing an easier alternative to daily pills and improving access, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is seen as a breakthrough in HIV prevention and could greatly reduce new infections.
The recent cuts to US foreign aid have affected other HIV and AIDS programs, including popular preventive treatments. Experts warn that continuing reductions in global support could result in millions of preventable deaths by 2030. The drug is also expected to arrive soon for patients in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
The launch marks the first time this medicine is available in Africa the same year it was approved in the US, a milestone lauded by health experts and drug manufacturers.
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