New HIV prevention shot shows promise but access concerns remain in Latin America

A new twice-yearly shot, lenacapavir, has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infections in women and nearly as effective in men. Gilead will allow generic versions in 120 countries with high HIV rates, mainly in Africa and Southeast Asia, but has excluded most of Latin America. Concerns arise as HIV rates are increasing in Latin America, where access to the shot may be limited. Advocacy groups are urging Gilead to make the drug available in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, citing inequities in access to HIV prevention tools. While lenacapavir could be produced cheaply, its availability in Mexico's health system remains uncertain. Experts emphasize the need for broader access to combat rising HIV rates among marginalized groups in Latin America.