The United States Department of State and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have announced a major expansion in access to Lenacapavir, a breakthrough HIV prevention injection administered twice a year. The initiative now aims to reach three million people—one million more than previously planned—marking a significant step forward in global efforts to curb HIV transmission.
The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin during an event in New York, where he confirmed increased financial commitments to scale up distribution in high-burden countries. Initially, the programme targeted two million doses over three years, but early progress and strong demand have prompted a broader rollout. Peter Sands emphasized the need to accelerate efforts, noting that expanding access quickly is essential to maximize the drug’s impact.
Developed by Gilead Sciences, lenacapavir has shown nearly 100 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV when used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Since late 2025, around 135,000 doses have already been delivered to nine African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. An additional 12 countries across different regions are expected to receive the drug soon, with the goal of reaching 24 countries by 2027.
Efforts are also underway to expand production and reduce costs. Daniel O’Day highlighted that the company has already signed royalty-free voluntary licensing agreements with multiple generic manufacturers, with the first generic versions expected by mid-2027. This move is expected to boost supply and make the drug more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
The rollout strategy prioritizes countries with strong HIV testing and follow-up systems to ensure patients receive both doses six months apart. Health officials also hope that the availability of lenacapavir will encourage more people to get tested, helping identify and treat the estimated nine million people worldwide who are living with HIV but not yet on treatment.
Beyond government-led efforts, community organizations are expected to play a key role in reaching high-risk populations, including adolescent girls, young women, and other vulnerable groups. The initiative builds on existing global HIV programmes and aligns with broader efforts to strengthen health systems and improve prevention strategies.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Some high-burden countries have not finalized bilateral agreements with the US, and shifting policy priorities could affect how resources are allocated. However, global health leaders remain optimistic that lenacapavir could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV.
With its long-acting protection and high efficacy, the drug offers a powerful new tool to reduce new infections and potentially reshape global HIV prevention strategies, bringing the world closer to controlling—and eventually ending—the epidemic.
