Rwanda is among countries set to receive a new long-acting HIV prevention injection as part of a global expansion led by the United States and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The drug, lenacapavir, is an injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) developed by Gilead Sciences. It is designed to help prevent HIV infection with just two doses per year.
The Global Fund says the rollout is already underway in nine African countries and will be expanded to 12 additional countries, including Rwanda, as well as the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Indonesia, Morocco and Thailand.
The initiative aims to reach at least 3 million people by 2028, as global health partners seek to broaden access to longer-acting HIV prevention tools.
In July last year, the Global Fund signed an agreement with Gilead to secure at least 2 million doses over five years for low- and middle-income countries.
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) welcomed the expansion but warned that available doses remain far below global need, raising concerns about equitable access as demand grows.
Health experts say lenacapavir could be a significant step forward in HIV prevention, particularly compared with daily oral PrEP, which requires consistent adherence to remain effective.
The injectable works by strengthening the body’s ability to block HIV infection after exposure, preventing the virus from establishing itself in the bloodstream.
Public health officials say long-acting prevention options could improve uptake and adherence, especially among people who struggle with daily medication routines.
