New HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir Accessible to Low-Income Countries

On July 9, 2025, a landmark agreement was announced between the United States pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund, a health financing organization dedicated to combating AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This agreement will provide lower-income countries access to lenacapavir, an innovative injectable drug designed for HIV prevention. As stated by the Global Fund, this development marks a significant milestone for global health equity, making it the first instance in history where an HIV prevention product will be introduced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) simultaneously with high-income nations.

Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, requires only two injections per year and has demonstrated an efficacy rate of over 99.9% in preventing HIV transmission among adults and adolescents. This contrasts sharply with existing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options, which necessitate daily pill intake and have not significantly reduced global HIV infections. "This is not just a scientific breakthrough; it's a turning point for HIV/AIDS," stated Peter Sands, Chief Executive of the Global Fund. He emphasized the critical need to deliver this new tool to the populations that require it most to alter the trajectory of the HIV epidemic.

The Global Fund aims to distribute lenacapavir to at least one African country by the end of 2025, initiating a transformational shift in HIV prevention strategies within communities experiencing the highest burden of new infections. Among these, South Africa stands out due to alarming rates of infection among adolescent girls and young women. South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi remarked, "Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free."

Historically, HIV prevention efforts have been hampered by the daily adherence required for traditional PrEP medications, which has limited their effectiveness in regions severely impacted by the virus. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 38 million people globally are living with HIV, with significant concentrations in LMICs where healthcare resources are often strained or inadequate.

Experts predict that the introduction of lenacapavir could revolutionize access to HIV prevention in resource-limited settings. Dr. Maria Lopez, an epidemiologist at the University of Cape Town, explained, "The long-acting nature of lenacapavir means that it could help overcome adherence challenges faced by many individuals in these communities. This is crucial in areas where stigma and misinformation about HIV persist."

The implications of this agreement extend beyond just drug access; it represents a commitment to health equity and the urgent need for innovative solutions to public health challenges. As noted by Dr. Johnson Smith, Professor of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, "This collaborative effort reflects a broader recognition that health security is interconnected globally. Ensuring that low-income countries receive cutting-edge treatments is essential for controlling diseases that know no borders."

Looking ahead, the success of lenacapavir in LMICs will depend not only on its distribution but also on the implementation of comprehensive public health strategies that address the social determinants of health, including education, stigma reduction, and improved healthcare infrastructure. The Global Fund’s initiative to procure this drug is a critical step toward enhancing global health outcomes and combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic effectively. As the world watches, the real test will be ensuring that these life-saving resources reach the individuals who need them most.