Unitaid news release
Building on its broader US$110 million investment in next-generation HIV prevention, Unitaid announced an additional US$15 million to expand support to communities and countries introducing long-acting injectable lenacapavir, a breakthrough medicine for preventing HIV. The investment will also help prepare health systems for other anticipated innovations in HIV prevention including a once-monthly oral pill and a new formulation of lenacapavir that provides one year of protection.
The additional investment will expand Unitaid’s support for the introduction of lenacapavir beyond early adopter countries, in response to growing demand as new countries across Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia prepare to roll out lenacapavir at a time when HIV prevention programs face unprecedented pressure from cuts to global health funding.
Through three complementary Global South-led projects implemented by Wits RHI in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC), and the University Teaching Hospital/Ministry of Health Zambia, Unitaid will support countries to introduce lenacapavir rapidly and effectively, strengthen the community partnerships and leadership needed for successful rollout, and prepare for the next generation of HIV prevention tools. Collectively, the three projects address practical barriers to introducing new long-acting HIV prevention options, reinforcing a sustainable ecosystem for lenacapavir and future PrEP innovations.
Read the full news release here.