PAHO Expands Access to HIV Prevention Drug
A new agreement allows 14 nations to procure the injectable drug lenacapavir through regional health funds.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Sexual Health
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The Pan American Health Organization has secured a pathway for 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to access the injectable HIV prevention drug lenacapavir. The medication, which is administered twice yearly, has shown nearly 100 percent efficacy in clinical trials.
Why it matters
This agreement aims to address the significant burden of HIV in the region, where approximately 140,000 new infections occur annually. By streamlining procurement, health officials hope to narrow existing gaps in HIV prevention options.
Clinical trials demonstrated nearly 100 percent efficacy for the biannual injectable, which now serves as a key prevention tool for the 140,000 new HIV cases occurring annually in the region.
The players
Pan American Health Organization
This international public health agency serves as the specialized health organization for the Americas and works to improve health standards across the region.
Gilead Sciences
This American biopharmaceutical company focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious diseases.
World Health Organization
This specialized agency of the United Nations is responsible for international public health and setting global medical standards.
The details
Under the new pact with Gilead Sciences, countries will procure the treatment through regional revolving funds, while Gilead also prepares for future technology transfers to support local manufacturing in Brazil. Integration into national programs remains subject to local regulatory requirements and training for health workers.
Timeline
The World Health Organization recommended lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 2025.
PAHO announced the new procurement pathway agreement on October 20, 2026.
Global health authorities have set 2030 as the target date to end HIV as a public health problem.
The Big Picture
This agreement marks a critical step toward achieving the WHO's 2030 goal to end HIV as a public health problem by accelerating the rollout of advanced medical interventions. The move extends the scope of available prevention, building on earlier voluntary licensing arrangements already covering 24 countries.
The introduction of a twice-yearly injectable offers a high-efficacy alternative for patients who struggle with daily oral medication regimens. Residents in participating countries will eventually see this option integrated into their local public health and clinical HIV prevention protocols.
The takeaway
The deployment of long-acting injectable prevention represents a major shift in how health systems manage HIV risk in the Americas. Patients should consult their local health departments to monitor when these new protocols become available in their specific country.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment and prevention initiatives, visit the Sexual Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribbeannewsglobal.
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