South Africa is among the first countries in Africa to introduce lenacapavir, a new long-acting drug used for HIV prevention, with the move reported as the ninth African country to adopt it. In an interview, infectious disease specialist Ndong Essomba Bitchoka explains that lenacapavir is designed to provide protection for an extended period after administration, with one injection reported to protect for up to six months. The discussion also addresses practical implementation, including whether available supply can meet expected demand as more countries begin using the medication. In addition, the interview highlights ongoing scientific and public-health challenges, including why developing a preventive HIV vaccine remains difficult. The reporting frames lenacapavir as part of broader efforts to improve HIV prevention options through longer-acting formulations that may reduce the need for frequent dosing. Overall, the sources focus on how the drug works, its anticipated duration of protection, and the issues of supply and vaccine development.
South Africa rolls out long-acting HIV prevention drug lenacapavir in nine African countries
South Africa is among the first countries in Africa to introduce lenacapavir, a new long-acting drug used for HIV prevention, with the move reported as the ninth African country to adopt it. In an int...
- South Africa introduces long-acting HIV prevention drug lenacapavir.
- Reporting says nine African countries have adopted lenacapavir for HIV prevention.
- A single injection is described as protecting against HIV for up to six months.
- An infectious disease specialist discusses how lenacapavir works and implementation concerns, including supply versus demand.
- The reporting notes that developing an HIV vaccine remains challenging.
[RFI] As South Africa becomes the ninth African country to introduce the use of new long-acting drug lenacapavir for HIV prevention, RFI spoke with infectious disease specialist Ndong Essomba Bitchoka about how the treatment works, whether the supply will meet demand and why developing an HIV vaccine remains a challenge.
2 months agoAs South Africa becomes the ninth African country to introduce the use of new long-acting drug lenacapavir for HIV prevention, RFI spoke with infectious disease specialist Ndong Essomba Bitchoka about how the treatment works, whether the supply will meet demand and why developing an HIV vaccine remains a challenge.
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