The injectable Lénacapavir – Len, to be short – is a very effective antiretroviral alternative with prolonged action to daily oral pills and other shorter action options, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“While a HIV vaccine remains elusive, Lénacapavir is the next best thing: a long -lasting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among people at risk”, “ said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Managing Director.
Advantage of the test kit
WHO support for injectable drugs is important because HIV prevention efforts are stagnating around the world.
To facilitate the reception of the injection near his home, the United Nations agency also recommends the use of rapid test kits for the diseaseIn contrast to “complex and costly procedures”.
According to the agency, 1.3 million people contracted HIV in 2024; The most affected people were sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and children and adolescents.
“Who is committed to working with countries and partners to ensure that this innovation reaches communities so quickly and safely,” insisted Tedros, in the comments during the 13th International AIDS Society conference (IAS 2025) on HIV Science, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The recommendation for Len also complies with the American health authorities who approved it in June.
Call for implementation
Although access to LEN injection remains limited today outside of clinical trials, which has urged governments, donors and partners to integrate the “immediately” in the national HIV prevention programs.
Other HIV prevention options supported by WHO include daily oral tablets, an injectable cabogravir – which is injected once every two months – and the vaginal ring of Dapivirin, as part of an increasing number of tools to end the HIV epidemic.
Financing dilemma
In the middle of Massive financing cuts on global effort to put an end to HIV – including the main program of the American government launched in 2003, Pepfar, focusing on the fight against disease in Africa – which has also published new Operational guidance On how to maintain priority HIV services.
“We have the tools and knowledge necessary to put an end to aid … What we need now is the daring implementation of these recommendations, based on equity and fueled by communities”, ” said Dr. Meg Doherty, director of the HIV department, hepatitis and IST programs, director of science, research, evidence and health quality.
HIV remains a major global public health problem.
At the end of 2024, around 40.8 million people lived with HIV with around 65% in Africa. About 630,000 people died of HIV in the world and around 1.3 million people have acquired HIV, including 120,000 children.
More positively, access to HIV drugs continues to develop, with 31.6 million people receiving treatment in 2024, compared to 30.3 million a year earlier. Without antiretroviral drugs, the HIV virus attacks the body’s immune system, ultimately leading to the start of AIDS.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
