WHO Endorses Breakthrough HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir; Certifies Suriname Malaria-Free and Validates Trachoma Elimination in Burundi and Senegal
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced new guidelines endorsing Lenacapavir a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that offers six months of protection with over 96% efficacy.
This significant development marks a major stride in HIV prevention strategies promising to transform the landscape of HIV prophylaxis worldwide.
Lenacapavir, which is administered as a twice-yearly injection, provides long-acting protection against HIV infection improving adherence compared to daily oral therapies.
The WHO guidelines recommend its use especially among populations at substantial risk of HIV including key vulnerable groups where prevention remains a critical challenge.
In a separate but equally important achievement, the WHO has officially certified Suriname as malaria-free.
This milestone represents the culmination of years of sustained efforts in malaria control and elimination reflecting successful public health interventions, strong surveillance and community engagement across the country.
Additionally, the WHO has validated the elimination of trachoma a leading cause of preventable blindness — in both Burundi and Senegal.
These validations acknowledge these countries’ accomplishments in interrupting transmission of the disease through effective implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement.
WHO officials emphasize that these achievements underscore the global health community’s progress in combating infectious diseases and preventing HIV while highlighting the importance of continued investment in health systems and innovative medical solutions.
The organization calls upon countries to build on these successes and accelerate the scale up of life saving interventions like Lenacapavir to reduce new HIV infections and to sustain efforts in achieving malaria and neglected tropical disease eradication goals worldwide.
