Lenacapavir injectable-Len, for abbreviation, is an antiretroviral alternative of highly effective prolonged action to daily oral pills and other shorter action options, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
“While an HIV vaccine is still difficult, Lenacapavir is the best option: an antiretroviral of prolonged action that is shown in the tests to prevent almost all HIV infections among those who are at risk.” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, who general director.
Test Kit advantage
WHO support for injectable medication is significant because HIV prevention efforts are stagnating throughout the world.
To facilitate that people receive injection near home, the UN agency also recommends the use of rapid test kits for the diseaseUnlike “complex and expensive 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 the communities in the fastest and fastest possible way,” said Tedros, in comments during the 13th International Conference of the AIDS Society (IAS 2025) about the science of HIV, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The recommendation for Len is also in line with the US health authorities that approved it in June.
Call implementation
Although access to Len's injection remains limited outside clinical trials today, who urged governments, donors and partners to incorporate Len “immediately” into HIV prevention programs national combination.
Other HIV prevention options supported by whom they include daily oral tablets, Cabotegravir injectable, which is injected once every two months, and the vaginal ring of Dapivirin, as part of a growing number of tools to end the HIV epidemic.
Financing dilemma
Amid massive funds, global fund cuts to end the AIDS of HIV, including the leader of the US Government.
“We have the tools and knowledge to end aid … what we need now is the bold implementation of these recommendations, based on equity and driven by communities”, “,” Dr. Meg Doherty, director of the HIV Global HIV department, Hepatitis and STIs and director of Sciences, Research, Evidence and Health Quality said.
HIV remains an important global public health problem.
At the end of 2024, it is estimated that 40.8 million people lived with HIV with an estimated 65 percent in Africa. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV -related causes worldwide, and approximately 1.3 million people acquired HIV, including 120,000 children.
More positively, HIV drug access continues to expand, 31.6 million people who receive treatment in 2024, compared to 30.3 million of the previous year. Without antiretroviral medication, the HIV virus attacks the immune system of the body, which ultimately carries at the beginning of AIDS.
