HIV prevention gets boost in SA

"THIS is a game changer for South Africa," said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi as The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria yesterday secured access to breakthrough HIV prevention for low and middle income countries.

- 

"Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free.

"For far too long, women and girls in our country have carried the greatest burden of this epidemic.

"But scientific breakthroughs must be backed by political will, community leadership, and sustained investment. We are determined to ensure no one is left behind."

The deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund will mean lower-income countries will gain access to the HIV prevention drug at the same time as in high-income countries.