Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has struck a deal with India’s Hetero Labs to produce an affordable HIV prevention injection for low- and middle-income countries.
The long-acting drug, lenacapavir, approved this year by the WHO, FDA, and European Commission, provides six months of protection with a single shot. It will cost about $40 per patient annually, supported by Gates Foundation funding and purchase guarantees to reduce risks for manufacturers.
“This model ensures public health systems access lifesaving innovations at scale,” the foundation said.
Unlike daily oral PrEP, the discreet injection is expected to reduce stigma and improve adherence.
Global health experts say reaching even 4% of people in high-burden countries could prevent up to 20% of new infections.
Generic versions are projected by 2027, with initial supplies arriving as early as 2025 through the Global Fund, PEPFAR, and Gilead Sciences.
The Gates Foundation has pledged $912 million to the Global Fund’s 2026–2028 campaign, building on $80 million already committed to fast-track generic production.
“Our goal is to end delayed access in low-income countries,” the foundation stressed, calling the partnership a “major step forward” in the global fight against HIV.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
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