The Global Fund has offered South Africa just over $29 million to purchase the anti-HIV jab, lenacapavir, which has shown promising results in protecting individuals from contracting the virus. The medicine, which needs to be administered twice a year, could potentially help in ending AIDS in the country by 2032, according to research.
However, the funding for lenacapavir will come from an existing grant that was already reduced by 16% earlier this year. Additionally, the exact cost of the medication from Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer, has not been disclosed to South Africa or the other selected countries for early roll-out.
Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, the CEO of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, aims to have lenacapavir registered in the country by the end of the year. The funds from the Global Fund will be available in October, coinciding with the start of South Africa’s Grant Cycle 7 roll-out period.
Studies have shown that lenacapavir offers complete protection to young women against HIV and is nearly as effective for men, transgender, and nonbinary individuals. If between two and four million HIV-negative people in South Africa use the jab annually over the next eight years, it could potentially eradicate AIDS as a public health threat by 2032.
While the Global Fund’s offer is a step in the right direction, the funding provided is not enough to cover the required number of doses. Discussions are ongoing regarding the pricing of the product, with the need for transparency and adherence to national financial regulations.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in lenacapavir is based on scientific evidence and the potential impact it could have in combating HIV and AIDS. The hope is that other countries and organizations will come together to support the roll-out of this promising medication in the fight against the epidemic. The Global Fund has made it clear that the amount South Africa will contribute towards purchasing the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir should not be considered the actual product price. This statement comes after a letter was received by the health department outlining the country’s financial commitment.
According to the letter, the price paid by the Global Fund to Gilead for each patient per year will be covered by private sector funding, specifically a $150 million donation from the UK-based Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. This arrangement ensures that countries like South Africa can access the medication at an affordable rate.
Lenacapavir, also known as LEN, has been approved for HIV prevention in the United States under the name Yeztugo, with a price tag of $28,218 per person per year. However, for low- and middle-income countries, Gilead has negotiated a not-for-profit price, rumored to be around $100 per person per year.
Activists have raised concerns about Gilead’s lack of transparency regarding the actual cost of manufacturing and distributing lenacapavir. They argue that pricing secrecy hinders the ability of buyers to negotiate affordable prices and violates the right of people to access life-saving medication.
Despite the challenges, research shows that there is a willingness among South Africans to use lenacapavir as a preventative measure against HIV. With the potential to reach a large number of individuals in need, it is crucial for Gilead to be more transparent about the pricing of the drug.
In conclusion, there is a growing call for a new pricing model that balances commercial interests with public health priorities. Moving forward, transparency and collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, governments, and civil society will be essential in ensuring access to affordable medication for all those in need. the perspective of a local business owner about the importance of supporting small businesses in the community.
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