The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced its backing for nine countries as they initiate the rollout of lenacapavir, a novel long-acting medication designed to prevent HIV infection. This initiative targets individuals at heightened risk of contracting the virus, with a focus on several African nations.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, revealed this development during a virtual press conference on Thursday. The briefing addressed critical global health priorities, including advancements in HIV prevention, treatments for obesity, and progress toward eliminating cervical cancer.
Ghebreyesus stated that lenacapavir, approved in 2025 for HIV prevention, represents the most substantial breakthrough in the fight against HIV since the introduction of the first antiretroviral treatments approximately four decades ago.
He highlighted that HIV has historically been one of the most formidable public health challenges but has also become a notable success story in global disease control efforts.
The WHO Director-General observed that with improved treatments and expanded access, annual AIDS-related fatalities worldwide have seen a substantial decrease, dropping by around 70 percent over the last two decades.
Furthermore, he noted that medications initially developed for HIV treatment are increasingly being utilized as preventive measures, offering protection to individuals who face a significant risk of acquiring the virus before exposure.
Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention
Ghebreyesus reaffirmed that the approval of lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 2025 marked a pivotal moment in global endeavors to halt transmission and expedite progress towards eradicating the epidemic.
He clarified that lenacapavir is not a vaccine but functions as a long-acting antiretroviral drug. It is administered to HIV-negative individuals at risk of infection once every six months.
According to him, clinical studies have demonstrated the drug's efficacy in preventing nearly all cases of HIV among at-risk populations, positioning it as one of the most promising prevention tools currently available.
Ghebreyesus mentioned that the WHO issued comprehensive guidelines for the use of lenacapavir in July 2025, followed by prequalification in October, which facilitates procurement and distribution by global health organizations.
He emphasized that this simultaneous development of treatment guidelines and product prequalification, rather than a sequential process, is unprecedented and accelerates equitable access to a significant public health innovation.
"In the past eight months, the WHO has supported the rollout of lenacapavir in Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe," he announced.
He noted that South Africa was the first African nation to approve lenacapavir in October 2025, and globally, it became the third country to authorize the medicine for HIV prevention.
He further reported that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced during his 2025 State of the Nation address the country's intention for a large-scale deployment of the prevention drug.
"South Africa also announced plans on Thursday to manufacture Lenacapavir locally, a move expected to strengthen supply and expand access to the medicine across the region," he added.
High Demand
Ghebreyesus cautioned that the current demand for lenacapavir is outstripping supply, with orders placed by countries through donors not meeting the escalating need.
He confirmed that the WHO is collaborating with national governments, international donors, and pharmaceutical companies to boost production and ensure that adequate supplies reach countries introducing the medicine.
HPV Vaccination
In addition to lenacapavir, Ghebreyesus highlighted the HPV vaccine as another vital public health instrument aiding countries in their efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. This is achieved through vaccination, screening, and prompt treatment.
He recalled that the previous Wednesday marked HPV Awareness Day, observed under the theme “One Less Worry,” which aimed to raise consciousness about the viruses responsible for various cancers, including cervical cancer.
He referenced the 2018 launch of a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, which was followed in 2020 by a worldwide strategy focusing on achieving 90 percent vaccination coverage and 90 percent screening rates.
"The strategy also aims to ensure 90 per cent of women diagnosed with cervical cancer or precancerous lesions receive treatment by 2030, significantly reducing global mortality from the disease," he stated.
Ghebreyesus reported that nearly 60 countries have implemented HPV vaccination programs since the initiative commenced, and the vaccine is now included in national immunization schedules in 162 countries.
He pointed to the progress made by India and South Africa, describing both nations as making significant advancements toward eliminating cervical cancer through expanded vaccination campaigns and national programs.
"In February, India launched the largest free HPV vaccination campaign in history, targeting nearly 12 million 14-year-old girls every year to protect them against cervical cancer," he said.
"More than 127,000 women in India are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, while about 80,000 die from the disease each year, according to global health estimates."
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