The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to release new guidelines for the use of injectable lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and for optimising HIV testing services.
In a statement released on its website on Monday, WHO’s Guideline Development Group (GDG) will convene virtually from January 28-30, 2025, to review evidence and propose recommendations for these evolving public health strategies.
The guidelines aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention option, to benefit populations at high risk. WHO emphasises that the guidelines will focus on integrating this product within broader HIV prevention strategies, including recommendations for HIV testing protocols.
WHO’s Dr. Maria Zamboni highlighted, “These guidelines will provide a critical framework for implementing lenacapavir and improving testing access, particularly in underserved communities.”
The GDG will also review simplified HIV testing models for both current and future long-acting prevention options, including lenacapavir.
This includes focusing on the integration of these options in low-resource settings where access to healthcare remains a challenge.
WHO notes that these efforts are crucial in addressing HIV health disparities globally, especially for populations disproportionately impacted by the virus.
