Countries in Africa have begun rolling out lenacapavir, a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) made by Gilead. The drug is given twice a year. Eswatini was first to receive the rollout; the country has around 220,000 people, or 23.4 per cent of the population, living with HIV. A pilot ran at five sites from December 2025 to February this year and distribution later expanded to 27 sites, reaching an estimated 3,000 people. Officials said about two thirds of recipients were women, and initial stocks were nearly depleted because demand was high.
Médecins Sans Frontières and other humanitarian groups reported very small supplies at some clinics. Nine African countries have received initial doses. In April, Gilead and partners PEPFAR and the Global Fund pledged extra supplies, bringing a larger commitment over several years, and Gilead said it was supplying lenacapavir to the partners at no profit. Wider availability of generic versions is expected from 2027.
MSF criticised the scale of the extra supply and noted that some countries were excluded from a generic licensing deal. In Kenya an initial consignment arrived and the first phase began in March; community groups warn that transport costs, lost wages, clinic waits and low awareness limit access for those who need the drug.
Difficult words
- roll out — to introduce or make available across a regionrolling out
- pre-exposure prophylaxis — treatment to prevent infection before exposure
- pilot — a small first test of a programme
- deplete — to reduce something until there is little leftdepleted
- pledge — to promise to give help or moneypledged
- generic — not brand-name; made by many companies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could health programmes reduce barriers like transport costs and long clinic waits?
- What should organisations do to make sure both women and men can access the drug?
- How might wider availability of generic versions from 2027 change access in African countries?
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