A landmark global agreement will make the breakthrough HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir available at a much lower cost in more than 100 low-income countries. Health experts say the move could bring affordable access to millions of people and take the world a step closer to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Lenacapavir is considered a game-changer in HIV prevention because of its method of delivery. Unlike traditional daily pills, this medicine is administered by injection and can remain effective in the body for six months. Experts believe this approach will increase treatment adherence, especially in vulnerable communities where daily medication can be difficult to maintain.
Currently, the cost of Lenacapavir is estimated at around $28,000 (£20,000) per person each year. For most low-income nations, this price is unaffordable and has left countless people without access to potentially life-saving treatment. The new deal, however, will significantly reduce the cost, allowing governments and health organizations to introduce the drug on a much larger scale.
The drug is expected to start rolling out in targeted regions as early as the end of this year. Health officials project that within the next two years, Lenacapavir could become a cornerstone of HIV prevention strategies across Africa, Asia, and other areas most affected by the epidemic.
Global health experts have welcomed the deal, calling it a turning point in the fight against HIV. By expanding affordable access, Lenacapavir could reduce new infection rates, protect high-risk populations, and ease the financial burden on already strained healthcare systems. According to public health advocates, the impact could be especially strong for women and young people, who remain disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection.
In many ways, this agreement shows how global cooperation can reshape health and development, similar to the way political shifts in Malawi, where ex-president Peter Mutharika staged a surprise comeback, have highlighted resilience and changing public sentiment (read full story here). Both examples underline how rapid change—whether in politics or healthcare—can alter futures dramatically.
In addition to prevention, Lenacapavir also represents a breakthrough in convenience. Patients receiving an injection every six months will have greater independence and flexibility compared to those relying on strict daily medication schedules. Experts say this could improve adherence rates and help eliminate barriers linked to stigma, travel, and limited healthcare resources.
For millions of people living at risk of HIV, this deal brings renewed hope. If implemented effectively, it could transform HIV prevention and move the world significantly closer to ending the decades-long battle against HIV/AIDS.
