14 Countries to Access Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

Fourteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean will gain access to lenacapavir, an injectable medication used to prevent HIV. The agreement between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Gilead Sciences will expand prevention options across the region.

The countries are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Under the agreement, participating countries can procure lenacapavir through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds. However, each country must meet its own regulatory and programme requirements before introducing the medication.

Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention

Lenacapavir is a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. People receive the medication once every six months.

The World Health Organization recommended lenacapavir in 2025. The recommendation followed trials that showed nearly 100 per cent efficacy.

The twice-yearly schedule also provides an alternative for people who may have difficulty taking oral PrEP regularly. As a result, the medication could add another option to existing HIV prevention programmes.

PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa said the agreement will help expand access to HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The region records about 140,000 new HIV infections each year. Therefore, PAHO said the new medication will complement other prevention methods. These include daily or event-driven oral PrEP, cabotegravir and condoms. Early diagnosis and treatment also remain part of HIV prevention efforts.

The agreement complements voluntary licensing arrangements covering 24 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, a wider global licensing framework covers 120 countries.

Plans for Regional Production

Gilead has committed to a technology-transfer process in Brazil. The process could eventually support local production of lenacapavir.

However, the process remains under development. No timeline or production mechanism has been announced.

Meanwhile, PAHO will provide technical assistance as countries prepare to introduce the medication. National authorities will decide when and how to introduce it.

Those decisions will depend on regulatory approvals, treatment protocols, staff training and programme planning.

The agreement forms part of wider efforts to expand HIV prevention across the region. It also supports the goal of ending HIV as a public health problem by 2030.