The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially endorsed lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-a-year injectable drug for HIV prevention, marking a new chapter in the global fight against the virus. The announcement comes as experts warn of deep funding cuts that could derail progress in HIV response worldwide.
Highlights
- WHO recommends lenacapavir injections as a new HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option
- The drug, branded as Yeztugo, requires only two shots per year
- Clinical trials show nearly 100% effectiveness in HIV prevention
- Global Fund and Gilead to supply the shot at cost to low-income countries
- Concerns rise over reduced funding from U.S. agencies like PEPFAR and USAID
Main Story
WHO’s endorsement of lenacapavir follows recent U.S. FDA approval in June 2025. Branded as Yeztugo, the drug is the first long-acting injectable PrEP requiring only two doses per year. Its unique six-month formulation makes it ideal for individuals who struggle with daily pills or who live in areas with limited access to regular healthcare.
Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programs, called the shot “a game-changer” for simplifying prevention and expanding coverage to vulnerable communities.
Lenacapavir works by blocking the HIV capsid, effectively preventing the virus from replicating. In clinical trials, it showed up to 99.9% effectiveness, outperforming existing oral PrEP regimens. The injectable is especially promising for groups facing adherence issues or stigma linked to daily medication.
To ensure global reach, Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund have partnered to deliver the injection at cost to over 2 million people in low-income countries over the next three years. Kenya is among the countries expected to receive the medication, pending regulatory approval.
But rollout faces obstacles. Infrastructure for long-acting injectables is limited, and health systems must adapt to deliver the shot efficiently and safely.
The WHO recommendation comes against a backdrop of waning global funding for HIV programs. Major U.S. donors, including PEPFAR and USAID, have slashed contributions, threatening services in many African nations. UNAIDS has warned that unless funding is restored, millions of new infections and deaths could occur by 2029.
Advocacy groups are calling on governments to step up domestic investment and for new donors to bridge the gap.
A twice-yearly HIV prevention shot could transform how we fight the virus, but only if the world ensures it’s available to all who need it.
