Lesotho has officially welcomed its first consignments of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, in a ceremony that highlighted both the promise of the new technology and the complex fears surrounding it.
For some patients, the arrival is bittersweet. A patient who spoke to Newsday, on a condition of anonymity, disclosed that they currently take daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in secret and hide the pills from their partner to ensure their own safety.
While they admitted that not having to swallow a pill every morning would be a relief, they are terrified by rumours regarding the long-term effects of the injection.
“I want to protect myself, but I also hope to start a family soon,” they explained. “The thought that the medication stays in the bloodstream for so long – that it might prevent me from becoming pregnant – makes me wary.”
They fear reflects a significant communication challenge facing health officials as they roll out the new prevention tool.
‘A game-changing intervention’
During the handover ceremony, Principal Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Health ‘Maneo Ntene emphasised that the shipment is a vital step in strengthening the country’s prevention services. The consignment was procured with support from the Global Fund to Fight HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
“The Ministry is honoured to have esteemed partners present to mark this milestone,” Ntene said, particularly recognising the US Department of State for supporting additional consignments.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Innocent Nuwagira described the medication as a “game-changing biomedical intervention” in the national HIV response.
“The country continues to face a high burden of HIV, with adult prevalence remaining very high and disproportionately affecting women and young people,” Nuwagira said.
He noted that despite the success of various treatments, prevention remains an area that needs more work because infections persist among vulnerable populations. Daily oral pills present adherence challenges, which is why innovation is so necessary.
“Lenacapavir strengthens this package by offering an option that overcomes the struggle of remembering a daily pill,” Nuwagira explained. Following the WHO’s recommendation in July 2025, the drug was approved as the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP, offering almost 100 percent protection against HIV acquisition.
He called upon all global health actors to make the drug viable in low-income countries at an affordable and sustainable cost.
6,000 doses delivered
Representing the United States of America, Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Hines announced the delivery of 6,000 doses of Lenacapavir, calling the occasion a “historic milestone” and a breakthrough that represents “the best of American innovation and the strong partnership between the U.S. and Lesotho.”
Hines directly addressed concerns like those voiced by Neo, highlighting that the medication is particularly promising for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
“It safely protects them during and after pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission, which is a key goal for the international community,” he said.
Hines noted that the delivery is the result of a landmark partnership between the United States, Gilead Sciences, and the Global Fund, with a goal to provide at least two million doses to high-burden countries. He reflected on the long history of cooperation, noting that the U.S. government has provided over $1 billion in assistance to Lesotho over the last 19 years, contributing to a 15-year increase in average life expectancy for Basotho.
“These 6,000 doses represent hope for mothers, high-risk individuals, and everyone working to end new infections,” Hines said.
Over 20,000 doses expected this year
Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane officially handed the consignment over to the Ministry of Health, describing Lenacapavir as an innovative long-acting therapy that is the result of extensive research.
“The partnership between the Global Fund and the U.S. government will support the procurement of over 20,000 doses this year,” Matlanyane confirmed.
She said this contribution reflects a shared commitment to expand patient-centered care, especially for those who face the greatest risks or have difficulty accessing daily healthcare. As the principal recipient of the grant, she extended her appreciation to the Global Fund and the people of the USA for their critical support.
‘Not a panacea’
Matlanyane concluded the ceremony with a message of caution and encouragement.
“This injection is not a panacea for all problems but is a preventive tool,” she stressed. “We urge the citizens of Lesotho to remain familiar with the norms and practices that help keep infection levels low.”
By maintaining cultural norms and existing protective measures alongside this new biomedical innovation, she expressed confidence that the Ministry of Health will successfully reduce new HIV infections and build a healthier future for all Basotho, regardless of where they live.
Summary
- Lesotho has officially welcomed its first consignments of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, in a ceremony that highlighted both the promise of the new technology and the complex fears surrounding it.
- Representing the United States of America, Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Hines announced the delivery of 6,000 doses of Lenacapavir, calling the occasion a “historic milestone” and a breakthrough that represents “the best of American innovation and the strong partnership between the U.
- Hines noted that the delivery is the result of a landmark partnership between the United States, Gilead Sciences, and the Global Fund, with a goal to provide at least two million doses to high-burden countries.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
