Malawi has officially launched Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that protects against HIV with just two injections a year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi unveiled the medicine on Thursday at Area 25 Community Hospital in Lilongwe, describing the rollout as a major step towards expanding access to innovative, life-saving HIV prevention services.
“Today’s launch is not merely about introducing another medicine. It is about expanding hope, embracing scientific innovation, and reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every Malawian has access to safe, effective and people-centred HIV prevention services,” Baloyi said.
She noted that although Malawi has reduced new HIV infections by more than 80 percent since 2010 and achieved global HIV treatment targets, adolescent girls, young women and other vulnerable groups continue to face a high risk of infection.
According to the minister, Lenacapavir offers renewed hope because it is safe, discreet and highly convenient compared to daily oral pills or more frequent injectable options.
Baloyi urged healthcare workers to provide confidential and respectful services while calling on traditional leaders, faith leaders, the media and communities to help disseminate accurate information about the new HIV prevention option.
She also encouraged Malawians to know their HIV status and make informed health decisions as the country works towards achieving an AIDS-free generation.
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Thom Navicha welcomed the introduction of Lenacapavir, saying it comes at a critical time when women and adolescent girls continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections due to gender inequality and gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Fischer announced that enough doses have been secured to protect 38,000 Malawians this year, with additional supplies expected over the next three years.
Fischer said Malawi is among only 10 countries globally selected to roll out the programme.
Quoting findings from clinical trials, he said Lenacapavir demonstrated more than 99 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV infection.
“The twice-yearly injection removes the challenge of taking medication every day, making it particularly suitable for young women, pregnant women and people living in remote areas,” Fischer said, describing Lenacapavir as one of the most significant breakthroughs in HIV prevention in the past decade.
Government also commended the United States Government, the Global Fund, UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, civil society organisations, researchers and healthcare workers for their support in making the rollout possible.
Health officials stressed that Lenacapavir complements existing HIV prevention strategies rather than replacing them. These include HIV testing, condom use, oral and injectable PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), voluntary medical male circumcision, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), antiretroviral therapy (ART), and efforts to eliminate stigma.
The launch was supported by the United States Government through its partnership with the Malawi Government and the Global Fund.
