WINDHOEK, Dec. 1 — Namibia is preparing to introduce a twice-yearly injectable HIV drug as the government begins regulatory steps for the long-acting drug Lenacapavir, Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao said Monday. Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration in Otjiwarongo, some 250 km north of the capital, Windhoek, Luvindao described the medicine as a potential “game-changer” for HIV treatment and prevention. She said the cost of the drug currently limits its use in the public sector, but regulatory processes are underway to enable access in the private sector while the government advocates for reduced global pricing to ensure broader availability in the future. Luvindao said Namibia has surpassed the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with 96 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 98 percent of diagnosed individuals receiving treatment, and 98 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. She said the country is increasing domestic financing for antiretrovirals as international donor funding continues to decline. During the event, Luvindao launched updated national HIV treatment and prevention guidelines that incorporate new approaches for managing advanced disease and provide expanded prevention tools for pregnant women. She said the updates will support Namibia‘s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
(Xinhua)
