US donates new HIV prevention drug to Mozambique

Maputo – The United States has pledged to donate Lenacapavir, an FDA-approved injectable drug given twice a year for HIV prevention, to Mozambique as part of a pioneering global programme.

Abigail L. Dressel, Business Manager at the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique, announced the donation during a meeting with Health Minister Ussene Isse. Mozambique is one of ten countries worldwide selected for the initiative under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Clinical trials by Gilead showed that over 99% of participants remained HIV negative, demonstrating the potential of Lenacapavir to transform HIV prevention. The donation forms part of ongoing efforts by the United States to support life-saving health programmes and strengthen Mozambique’s public health system.