By Omboki Monayo
Nairobi, Kenya: A groundbreaking HIV prevention method requiring just one or two injections per year could soon transform the global fight against AIDS. Scientists announced this breakthrough at a major medical conference in San Francisco, USA, as Kenya and other African nations continue to battle stubbornly high infection rates despite significant advances in treatment.
Researchers presented compelling evidence that an experimental drug, lenacapavir, when administered in high doses, can maintain protective levels in the body for up to twelve months. Lenacapavir, an antiretroviral medication, prevents HIV from replicating in the body.
For millions worldwide—especially those struggling with daily pill regimens—this could be a game-changer in turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. Additionally, long-acting treatments for those already living with HIV are proving just as effective as daily medication, offering hope for a future where the virus is no longer a life sentence.
From year-long prevention shots to implants that block both HIV and pregnancy, these innovations promise to revolutionize global health. One of the biggest challenges in HIV prevention has been ensuring people consistently take daily pills. Early trials involving 40 adults showed that the injections were safe, with only mild side effects, such as temporary pain at the injection site.
“This is potentially game-changing,” said Dr. Renu Singh of Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company developing the drug. “For vulnerable populations, especially young women and those in remote areas, this long-acting option could dramatically improve prevention efforts.”
The timing of this breakthrough is critical for Kenya, which ranks second in Africa and eighth globally in adult HIV prevalence. While 95% of HIV-positive Kenyans now know their status and 97% of diagnosed individuals are on treatment, new infections continue to disproportionately affect women.
According to the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC), Kenya recorded 16,752 new HIV cases last year, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of infections. AIDS-related deaths totaled 20,480, including 2,607 children.
In a significant departure from standard practice, researchers successfully tested the prevention drug in adolescents aged 16-17— a group often excluded from clinical trials despite being at high risk of HIV infection. A study of 124 teens in South Africa and Uganda recorded zero infections among participants receiving either the injection or standard prevention pills.
“Ethical inclusion in research is actually a form of protection,” explained Dr. Katherine Gill of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre. “When we exclude adolescents from trials, we’re leaving them vulnerable by delaying their access to potentially life-saving interventions.”
The conference also showcased an experimental implant that could address two critical health needs simultaneously. Developed at the University of North Carolina, the matchstick-sized device releases both an HIV prevention drug and contraceptive hormones. Animal trials demonstrated six months of protection against HIV while effectively preventing pregnancy. Human trials are expected to begin soon.
For those already living with HIV, researchers confirmed that bi-monthly injections work just as effectively as daily pills. Dr. Cissy Kityo from the Joint Clinical Research Centre in Uganda, who presented the study findings at the conference, reported that the long-acting injectable treatment had high efficacy, with 97% of participants achieving viral suppression—matching the results of oral medication.
As the world marks more than four decades since the first AIDS cases were identified, these scientific advances offer new hope. However, the promise of these innovations comes with significant challenges. Current injectable treatments cost nearly ten times more than standard pills, raising concerns about affordability in resource-limited settings. Health advocates are urging governments and international donors to prioritize funding for these new technologies.
Mitchell Warren of the Aids Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) highlighted that the study demonstrates long-acting HIV treatments can be effectively delivered in resource-limited settings—not just in wealthy nations. However, he raised concerns about adoption in these regions, particularly in light of recent PEPFAR budget cuts that may hinder access to these innovative therapies.
“We have answered the scientific question, and now the baton is passed to the next stage of the relay race,” said Warren. “Are policymakers willing to take it up, and do they see the value?”
