A New Dawn in Africa’s HIV Response: Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection Officially Launches Across the Continent

Africa has entered a historic new chapter in its fight against HIV. In December 2025, several African countries began the public rollout of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV-prevention injection. This medical breakthrough has been hailed as Africa’s closest step yet to a “vaccine-like” solution—one capable of dramatically reducing new HIV infections and reshaping public health outcomes for generations. A First for Africa The rollout began in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia, making them the first countries on the continent to administer the injection publicly. South Africa, which carries one of the world’s highest HIV burdens, achieved a major milestone by becoming the first African country to officially register Lenacapavir through its national medicines authority. With one in five South African adults living with HIV, the arrival of this injection marks one of the most significant prevention advances in decades. Why Lenacapavir Is a Major Turning Point Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injection given under the skin. Unlike traditional HIV prevention pills (PrEP), which require daily adherence, Lenacapavir offers protection with just two doses per year. Clinical studies have shown that the injection reduces the risk of HIV infection by over 99.9%, making it one of the most effective prevention tools ever developed. Because of its long-acting design and extremely high efficacy, health experts globally describe it as “functionally similar to a vaccine”—not a true vaccine immunologically, but a tool that provides long-lasting, reliable protection. Addressing Africa’s Biggest HIV Challenges For decades, Africa’s HIV response has been limited not by treatment availability, but by challenges such as: • Daily pill adherence • Stigma associated with taking HIV medication • Irregular clinic access • High reinfection rates among young people and women • Limited funding for widespread prevention programs Lenacapavir removes many of these barriers. With only two injections yearly, it significantly lowers the burden on individuals and health systems, while offering unmatched protection to those most at risk. Early Rollout and Phased Expansion The initial rollout is being supported by international health partners such as Unitaid and local health ministries. South Africa has announced a three-phase national rollout beginning with high-burden communities, prioritizing groups like: • Adolescent girls and young women • Sexually active young adults • Key populations facing higher HIV exposure risks Eswatini, the country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, has also received its first shipments and begun administering the injection through designated clinics. Cost and Access: A Critical Issue One of the biggest challenges facing Lenacapavir’s large-scale adoption is affordability. In the United States and Europe, the drug has historically been extremely expensive, costing thousands of dollars per person annually. To ensure widespread access in Africa, negotiations are underway involving: • Global health funders • Government regulators • The manufacturer • International NGOs These efforts aim to secure a significant price reduction to make the injection affordable for low- and middle-income countries. The Bigger Picture: Africa Also Begins Early Vaccine Trials While Lenacapavir offers vaccine-like protection, researchers continue working on a true HIV vaccine that triggers long-term immunity. A promising candidate, GRAdHIVNE1, began Phase 1 clinical trials in Africa in 2025. Developed through global collaboration with African scientific leadership, the trial aims to study immune responses to HIV-specific T-cell targets. Combined with long-acting prevention tools, such research brings the continent closer to the ultimate goal: ending the HIV epidemic for good. What This Means for Nigeria and Other High-Burden Countries: Nigeria, home to one of the world’s largest HIV populations, stands to benefit significantly when Lenacapavir becomes available locally. The injection could: • Lower new HIV infections dramatically • Offer young adults and women improved protection • Reduce long-term healthcare costs • Support national HIV control and elimination goals The next steps for Nigeria will depend on regulatory approval, distribution capacity, and international pricing agreements. A New Era of Hope The introduction of Lenacapavir marks one of the most transformative moments in Africa’s public health history. From its historic rollout in Southern Africa to the ongoing research for a true HIV vaccine, the continent is witnessing unprecedented scientific progress. While challenges remain—especially around affordability, supply, and awareness—the momentum is unmistakable. For millions across Africa, this new prevention injection represents hope, protection, and the possibility of an HIV-free future.