Lesotho receives first shipment of Lenacapavir.

Lesotho has received its first shipment of Lenacapavir, the twice‑yearly injectable PrEP approved by WHO in July 2025; the handover was attended by senior government officials and development partners.

Lesotho has taken delivery of its first shipment of Lenacapavir during a handover ceremony in Mafeteng district. The event was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara and attended by senior government ministers and development partners. WHO approved Lenacapavir in July 2025 as the first twice‑yearly injectable pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Lesotho continues to report a high adult HIV prevalence while also noting strong treatment coverage and viral suppression. Key facts: - The handover took place in Mafeteng district and involved the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Finance, and development partners. - WHO approved Lenacapavir in July 2025 as a twice‑yearly injectable PrEP option. - Lenacapavir is reported to provide near‑complete protection against HIV acquisition and aims to ease adherence challenges linked to daily oral PrEP. - Lesotho's adult HIV prevalence is reported at 17.1%, and the country has reported reaching 97%‑97%‑99% on the 95‑95‑95 targets. - Lesotho plans to roll out Lenacapavir in the coming days, and WHO has offered support for safe introduction, monitoring, and integration into prevention programmes. Summary: The introduction of Lenacapavir expands Lesotho's prevention options with a twice‑yearly injectable PrEP and may help address adherence barriers. National and WHO officials said the drug will be integrated into prevention programmes, with rollout planned in the coming days. WHO has also called for broader access and support from global health partners to ensure availability in low‑ and middle‑income countries.