Despite the availability of treatments, HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death worldwide. To prevent this disease, Gilead Sciences developed lecanapavir, a drug approved just five months ago by the US Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Recently, South Africa began administering this long-acting HIV prevention drug to selected individuals as part of an initiative funded by the international health agency Unitaid, which works to ensure equitable access to medical innovations.

Administered by injection twice a year

Lenacapavir has shown remarkable results in clinical trials, offering near-complete protection against HIV and surpassing existing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options.

Administered by injection twice a year, this medication costs $28,000, or 15,745,357 CFA francs. Needless to say, it is out of reach for people of modest means.

A pricing agreement negotiated by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in collaboration with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Unitaid, the Gates Foundation and Wits RHI, reduced the cost to about $40, making it accessible to low-income individuals.

Also available in Zambia and Eswatini

In a statement, Unitaid indicated that the initiative it is funding in South Africa will provide the Ministry of Health with the evidence it needs to integrate lenacapavir into existing HIV prevention programs. It should be noted that this medication is also available in Zambia and Eswatini.