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 chosen 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 manufacture one of the world’s most advanced HIV treatments on its own soil. A South African laboratory is set to produce a generic version of lenacapavir, a breakthrough injectable drug that could dramatically change HIV prevention and treatment across Africa.
International health agency Unitaid announced that a South African laboratory will manufacture a generic version of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV treatment developed by Gilead Sciences.
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The move is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening Africa’s medical sovereignty and reducing 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 nations secured large stockpiles.
Why lenacapavir is being called a breakthrough
Lenacapavir is considered one of the biggest recent advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
Unlike traditional HIV medication that requires daily tablets, lenacapavir is an injectable treatment administered 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 medication.
Studies have shown the drug reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 99.9 per cent.
Unitaid confirms agreement with South Africa
Philippe Duneton said Unitaid and Gilead had reached a preliminary agreement with the South African government to begin local production of the medicine.
Speaking during a Franco-African economic summit in Nairobi, Duneton described the initiative as “a very important step” for Africa’s healthcare future.
According to Unitaid, a call for tenders has already been launched to identify suitable South African laboratories capable of manufacturing the generic version.
Production could begin within two years
Duneton said the final agreement would be completed once a laboratory partner is selected.
He added that the process could still take one to two years before full-scale production begins.
The initiative is expected to help African countries secure more reliable access to HIV medicines while reducing exposure to international supply chain disruptions.
“When there are tensions, competition or disruptions in supply chains, it’s better to have medicines produced close to home,” Duneton said.
A major development for HIV treatment access in Africa
Africa remains one of the regions most heavily affected by HIV, making affordable and accessible treatment a major public health priority.
The decision to manufacture lenacapavir locally is expected to improve long-term access to advanced HIV treatment while also strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities across the continent.
Health experts believe the development could become a landmark moment in Africa’s broader push for healthcare independence and locally produced medicines.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 13 May 2026, 10:34 am IST
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