New injectable HIV prevention drug launches in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia

South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia have launched a new twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, significantly reducing infection risk. This initiative, funded by Unitaid, aims to provide equitable access to medical innovation in regions with the highest HIV prevalence globally. The drug, showing near-vaccine efficacy, is expected to be rolled out nationwide next year, with generic versions becoming available in over 100 countries by 2027.