“South Africa begins rolling out lenacapavir, a six-monthly HIV prevention injection, but US funding cuts threaten sustainability. Experts warn that selective rollout risks leaving vulnerable communities behind.”
The introduction of lenacapavir marks a milestone in HIV prevention, offering long-term protection with fewer doses. However, the rollout is geographically selective, raising equity concerns. Funding challenges from reduced US support exacerbate fears that only urban populations will benefit. Civil society groups argue that without broader access, the epidemic’s trajectory may not change significantly. Policymakers face the dual challenge of scaling distribution while ensuring affordability. The injection’s promise lies in reducing adherence issues common with daily pills, but its success depends on overcoming systemic inequalities in healthcare delivery.
