The World Health Organization is calling for the rapid global rollout of the first long-acting HIV prevention injection, in an effort to revive stalled progress in preventing the disease.
The WHO is also recommending the use of rapid HIV test kits to replace more complex and costly diagnostic methods, making prevention and treatment more accessible.
In 2024, an estimated 1.3 million people contracted HIV, with the most affected groups including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, those in prisons and adolescents.
The new injectable drug, lenacapavir, or LEN, is a long-acting anti-retroviral that offers strong protection from HIV and only needs to be administered twice a year.
The WHO says it's a highly effective alternative to daily pills and short-term treatments.
Following approval by US Health authorities in June, the WHO is now urging countries to make LEN widely available through clinics, pharmacies and online consultations.
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