Lenacapavir is a new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection made by Gilead. The rollout matters because HIV is still common in parts of Africa. Eswatini was the first country to receive it; about 220,000 people there, or 23.4 per cent, live with HIV.
A pilot programme ran at five sites from December 2025 to February this year. Distribution then expanded to 27 sites and reached an estimated 3,000 people. Officials said about two thirds of recipients were women and that the first stock was nearly depleted because demand was high.
Humanitarian groups also reported small supplies. Nine African countries have received initial doses, and community groups say travel costs, lost wages and clinic waits limit access for poorer residents.
Difficult words
- rollout — the start and spread of a new service
- prevention — actions to stop a disease or problem
- pilot — a small test of a program
- recipient — a person who receives somethingrecipients
- deplete — to reduce a supply until little remainsdepleted
- humanitarian — related to helping people in need
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer an injection twice a year or a daily medicine? Why?
- What things in the article stop poorer people from getting the injection?
- What could clinics do to help people who cannot pay travel or lose wages?
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