Lesotho rolls out Lenacapavir for HIV prevention.

Lesotho has launched a national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly long-acting HIV prevention injection, at a ceremony in Butha-Buthe with WHO and the Ministry of Health present. WHO provided technical support for the rollout and will continue to support implementation and monitoring.

Lesotho has begun the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection, in a ceremony held in Butha-Buthe district. The World Health Organization joined the Ministry of Health and other partners at the launch. Early recipients included a 35-year-old man named Mokeseng Habasisi and other initial clients. Officials described the rollout as an effort to expand prevention choices within a combination prevention approach. Key details: - The national launch took place in Butha-Buthe with WHO and the Ministry of Health present. - Lenacapavir is administered twice a year and is reported to have very high effectiveness in preventing HIV acquisition. - Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane emphasized expanding choices and strengthening combination prevention. - WHO Representative Dr Innocent Nuwagira said WHO will support safe, equitable delivery and monitoring of implementation. - WHO provided technical support in developing a national roadmap, guidelines, job aids, and assistance with the national launch. Summary: The rollout introduces a twice-yearly prevention option intended to broaden choices for people at risk and to complement existing HIV prevention methods. WHO will continue technical support and monitor implementation as Lesotho scales up delivery to track quality, effectiveness, and equitable access.