Ministry of Health and Sanitation has launched the Lenacapavir (LEN) injection, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine expected to help reduce new HIV infections among people at substantial risk of contracting the virus.
Speaking during the launch in Lilongwe yesterday, Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi said the rollout, in partnership with the United States Government, marks a significant step in Malawi’s efforts to eliminate HIV and Aids as a public health threat by 2030.
She said Malawi has made progress in the fight against HIV, reducing new infections by more than 80 percent since 2010 and achieving the global 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets.
However, the minister noted that new infections continue to occur, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Baloyi said Lenacapavir is expected to strengthen HIV prevention by offering a more convenient option, requiring only two injections a year.
“We are very grateful to the United States Government for helping us procure Lenacapavir, which will strengthen HIV prevention services in the country,” she said.
However, Baloyi cautioned that the introduction of LEN does not replace other prevention measures, as the injection does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha, who also attended the launch, said the injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will particularly benefit vulnerable women and girls, including sex workers and survivors of sexual exploitation, by providing a discreet and effective HIV prevention option.
“I am excited to be part of this launch because this medicine will help protect girls and women who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation, among others,” she said.
National Aids Commission chief executive officer Beatrice Matanje said the introduction of LEN will support Malawi’s goal of reducing new annual HIV infections from more than 12 000 to below 4 000 by 2030.
The injectable drug will be offered to individuals assessed as being at substantial risk of HIV infection. LEN is touted to have demonstrated over 99 percent effectiveness in clinical trials and that it offers safe, discreet and effective protection. It is administered through twice-a-year injections.
The initial rollout is being supported by the US Government, which has provided 38 000 doses of Lenacapavir this year.
Malawi has met UNAids targets of 95:95:95 which targets achievement of knowledge of HIV status, treatment and suppression of the virus that causes Aids. Malawi stands at 94:99:95, indicating that 94 percent of people with HIV are aware of their status while 99 percent are on antiretroviral therapy and 95 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
