WHO just approved a major shift in HIV prevention — and it comes as the world stalls on progress.

By Aniket Chakraborty July 16, 2025 Arrow HEALTH & WELLNESS

Meet lenacapavir: a twice-a-year injection offering near-total protection against HIV.

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The FDA greenlit it recently — and now WHO is urging global rollout in high-risk regions.

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It’s a breakthrough for those struggling with daily pills, stigma, or health access gaps.

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The science is solid: lenacapavir disrupts HIV at multiple stages using capsid inhibition.

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But access won’t be easy — Trump’s U.S. aid cuts have gutted HIV funding globally.

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PrEP use has already collapsed in countries like Nigeria since the cuts began.

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WHO also recommends rapid-test models and pharmacy-based delivery to simplify care.

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Gilead will supply the drug at cost through the Global Fund — but only in select regions.

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As vaccine hopes stall, lenacapavir may be our best shot — if the world can afford it.

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