Africa: South Africa’s Next HIV Battle Isn’t About Science, It’s About Access

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — For decades, South Africa has been at the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic. Today, it is becoming the testing ground for what many scientists believe could be the most important advance in HIV prevention since daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): a twice-yearly injection that has shown almost complete protection against HIV.

Known as lenacapavir, or LEN, the long-acting injection requires just two doses a year, offering a powerful alternative to daily pills that…