- **Q: How effective is lenacapavir?
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Health / AIDS/HIV
Zimbabwe and Kenya are taking significant steps in HIV prevention with the rollout of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug. This initiative promises to greatly reduce HIV transmission rates across the region.
Zimbabwe has launched a national program for lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, marking a significant milestone in the country's fight against AIDS. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora officially launched the program, highlighting its importance in Zimbabwe's national response to HIV. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and approved locally in November, is nearly 100% effective and eliminates the need for daily PrEP pills, a game-changer for those struggling with adherence. The initial phase, funded by the U.S. government and The Global Fund, targets over 46,000 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide. Priority groups include adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers who face disproportionate infection rates.
Kenya is set to roll out lenacapavir in March across 15 priority regions. The country received its first batch of 21,000 doses through a deal with Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. Health Minister Aden Duale stated that the first phase of implementation would begin in early March, covering 15 counties, with an additional 12,000 doses expected by April. The U.S. government has committed to supplying Kenya with an additional 25,000 doses of the drug. This rollout comes as African countries grapple with aid cuts, though Kenya has a $2.5 billion health aid deal with the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
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