PAHO/WHO introduces new HIV prevention drug to Latin America and the Caribbean

PAHO and Gilead Sciences Agreement Expands Access to Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced a groundbreaking new initiative to provide access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean through its Regional Revolving Funds, in collaboration with Gilead Sciences.

Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, has been recommended by the World Health Organization due to its nearly 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infection. This new agreement will allow 14 countries in the region to access the medicine through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, complementing existing access mechanisms and expanding HIV prevention options.

Expanding Access to Lenacapavir

The 14 countries included in this initiative are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. These countries will be able to procure lenacapavir through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, subject to national regulatory and programmatic processes.

Additionally, Gilead has committed to facilitating a technology-transfer process in Brazil to enable local production of lenacapavir in the future, which could contribute to greater availability and more sustainable procurement conditions.

Impact and Future Prospects

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovations like lenacapavir reach the communities in need. This initiative marks a significant step toward reducing gaps in access to HIV prevention, expanding prevention options, and moving closer to the goal of ending HIV as a public health problem.

The introduction of lenacapavir into national HIV programs will be a gradual process, involving regulatory approvals, training for healthcare workers, and programmatic planning. PAHO will provide technical cooperation to support countries in this transition, ensuring evidence-based introduction adapted to national contexts.

This agreement is part of PAHO’s broader efforts to accelerate access to new HIV prevention technologies and strengthen regional capacity for health technology production. It aligns with the Alliance for the Elimination of HIV, a regional platform within PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative.

Diversifying Prevention Options

Lenacapavir joins a range of HIV prevention tools, including oral PrEP, long-acting cabotegravir, and condoms, alongside early diagnosis and access to antiretroviral treatment. Offering multiple prevention options can cater to diverse preferences and needs, supporting more person-centered approaches to HIV prevention.

Ensuring access to effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment tools for all those in need remains crucial in reducing new HIV infections and working towards ending the HIV epidemic as a public health issue by 2030.