A major breakthrough in Africa's fight against HIV could soon reshape access to life-saving treatment across the continent, after a South African laboratory was selected to produce a generic version of the groundbreaking injectable HIV drug lenacapavir.
Nairobi: Years after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa's dependence on Western pharmaceutical supplies, the continent is now preparing to build one of the world's most advanced pharmaceutical markets. hiv Treatment on our own soil. A South African laboratory is set to produce a generic version of lencapavir, a breakthrough injectable drug that could dramatically change HIV prevention and treatment across Africa.
International health agency Unitaid announced that a south african The laboratory will manufacture a generic version of lencapavir, a long-acting HIV treatment developed by Gilead Sciences.
The move is being seen as an important step towards strengthening Africa's medical sovereignty and reducing its dependence on imported medicines.
The issue gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many African countries struggled to access vaccines and essential medical supplies while wealthier countries secured large stockpiles.
Why is lencapavir being called a breakthrough?
Lencapavir is considered one of the greatest recent advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
Unlike traditional HIV medication, which requires daily pills, lencapavir is an injectable treatment that is given only twice a year.
Health experts say this could dramatically improve treatment adherence, especially for women and vulnerable communities who may face stigma associated with taking daily HIV medications.
Studies have shown that this drug reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 99.9 percent.
Unitaid confirms agreement with South Africa
Philip Dunaton said Unite and Gilead have reached a preliminary agreement with the South African government to begin local production of the drug.
Speaking during the Franco-African economic summit in Nairobi, Dunaton described the initiative as “a very important step”. of Africa The future of health care.
According to Unitaid, tenders have already been launched to identify suitable South African laboratories capable of manufacturing the generic version.
Production may begin within two years
Dunaton said the final agreement will be finalized once a laboratory partner is selected.
He said it could still take one to two years for full-scale production to begin.
The initiative is expected to help African countries gain more reliable access to HIV medicines while reducing the risk of international supply chain disruptions.
“When there is stress, competition or disruption in supply chains, it is better to produce medicines closer to home,” Dunaton said.
A major development for HIV treatment access in Africa
Africa remains one of the regions most affected by HIV, making affordable and accessible treatment a key public health priority.
The decision to manufacture lencapavir locally is expected to improve long-term access to advanced HIV treatments, while also strengthening drug manufacturing capabilities across the continent.
Health experts believe the development could become a watershed moment in the broader push for freedom of health care and locally produced medicines in Africa.
(with AFP input)
Published: May 13, 2026, 10:34 am IST
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