27/02/2026
๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ต๐ผ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฟ
Lesotho has officially received its first shipment of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that marks a historic milestone in the countryโs ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. The handover took place today in Mafeteng district during a high-level ceremony presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, and attended by senior government officials, including the Honourable Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance, as well as key development partners.
Approved by WHO in July 2025, Lenacapavir is the worldโs first twice-yearly injectable PrEP option, offering near-complete protection against HIV acquisition. Its introduction is expected to drastically reduce new infections, particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and other vulnerable populations, while easing the adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP.
Lesotho continues to face one of the highest HIV burdens globally, with an adult prevalence of 17.1%.
Despite this, the country has demonstrated exceptional leadership, ranking among a select group of nations that have surpassed the global 95 95 95 targets by achieving 97% 97% 99%. These achievements reflect strong treatment coverage and viral suppression, which have helped reduce transmission and AIDS related mortality. However, significant prevention gaps remain.
Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara highlighted the importance of the new intervention, stating:
โLenacapavir is an important innovation that strengthens our national response to HIV prevention and brings new hope to communities across the country. Over the years, Lesothoโs great strides in the fight against HIV have been made possible through strong partnerships between the government, development, and implementing partners.โ
Minister of Finance, Dr. Retลกelisitsoe Matlanyane, emphasized the continued need for comprehensive prevention:
โWe are confident that Lenacapavir will help in reducing new HIV infections. However, this should not in any way diminish our efforts in protecting ourselves using other methods.โ
Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, highlighted the drugโs role in closing existing prevention gaps and protecting future generations. He cautioned, however, that Lenacapavir does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies and therefore must be used alongside other protective measures.
WHO Representative, Dr Innocent Nuwagira, commended Lesothoโs progress, noting that the countryโs success reflects strong political commitment, sustained investment, and active community engagement. He stated:
โTodayโs handover reflects scientific progress and global solidarity. Innovation must reach those who need it most, and now. If implemented effectively, Lenacapavir can accelerate epidemic control, protect the next generation, and bring us closer to an AIDS free future.โ
He reaffirmed WHOโs commitment to supporting Lesotho in the safe rollout of Lenacapavir, its monitoring, and integration into national prevention programmes:
โWHO remains firmly committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in the safe introduction, monitoring, and integration of Lenacapavir, and in accompanying Lesotho on its journey toward a future where every Mosotho can live free from the threat of HIV.โ
Ending HIV requires a comprehensive prevention approach, integrating testing, treatment, condom use, voluntary medical male circumcision, behavioural and structural interventions, and both pre and post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP). Lenacapavir strengthens this package by expanding available options and overcoming adherence barriers. As the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP option, it provides nearly complete protection against HIV acquisition.
