South Africa rolls out new preventive HIV shot in 'major turning point'

Article excerpt

South Africa is manufacturing a generic version of a long-acting injectable HIV preventive that requires only two doses per year and shows a 99.9% efficacy rate in reducing transmission risk. The development represents a watershed moment for HIV prevention, particularly in a country where nearly 8 million people live with the virus. Local production of the treatment, called lenacapavir, could dramatically lower costs and expand access across sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV remains a major health burden. The injectable formulation addresses a critical gap in prevention options, offering an alternative to daily pills that many find difficult to maintain.