Overview

• The WHO formally backed lenacapavir at the International AIDS Conference in Kigali on July 14 and urged its inclusion in national HIV-prevention programs
• Clinical trials in South Africa and Uganda demonstrated nearly 100% efficacy for the long-acting capsid inhibitor against HIV infection
• Health officials advised deploying rapid HIV tests to simplify screening and eliminate complex laboratory procedures for PrEP initiation
• Rwanda and at least eight other early-adopter nations are consulting with the Global Fund and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation to plan rollout in early 2026
• Generic production deals cover 120 low- and middle-income countries but high U.S. list prices and uneven healthcare infrastructure threaten equitable access