South Africa HIV Prevention Jab: Minister Praises, Warns of Limited Supply
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* Gilead & South African Manufacturing: Gilead, a pharmaceutical company, evaluated South African manufacturers in 2024 for producing sterile injectables but found they didn’t meet the necessary technical standards. However, Gilead remains open to voluntary licensing if a South African manufacturer can improve their capabilities and quality control.
* Long-Acting Injectables & UNAIDS: UNAIDS South Africa welcomes the $34 million investment in rolling out long-acting injectable HIV medicines. they see thes medicines as a crucial option, especially given potential cuts in foreign aid that could lead to 6 million more HIV infections by 2029.
* Benefits of the Medicine: The long-acting injectable (specifically lenacapavir is mentioned) isn’t a cure or vaccine, but it could significantly improve HIV treatment by:
* Expanding treatment choices.
* Empowering patients.
* Reducing barriers related to stigma, disclosure, and daily medication adherence.
* Event: The information was discussed at a two-day roundtable concluding on wednesday.
* Copyright: The article is copyrighted by The associated Press (2025).