The Global Fund for HIV, TB, and Malaria has made a bold decision to fund the roll-out of the twice-yearly anti-HIV jab, lenacapavir, for poorer countries, including South Africa. This decision comes at a critical time when the US government’s Aids fund, Pepfar, has halted almost all support for such initiatives.
Peter Sands, the executive director of the Global Fund, emphasized the importance of lenacapavir in the fight against HIV. He highlighted the potential of this injectable, long-acting PrEP solution to be a game-changer in preventing HIV transmission. PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that HIV-negative individuals can take to reduce their risk of contracting HIV through sexual activity.
In collaboration with Pepfar, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund aims to provide 2 million people with lenacapavir over the next three years. This commitment underscores the urgency of expanding access to this highly effective preventive measure.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, has shown promising results in clinical trials. Notably, it demonstrated a 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among young women and a 96% reduction in infection rates among other high-risk groups. The drug has been submitted for registration as PrEP in the US, Europe, and South Africa.
While there are concerns about the US government’s continued support for this initiative, Sands remains determined to secure funding for the roll-out of lenacapavir. He argues that investing in global health is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business decision. The Global Fund’s investment case highlights the economic benefits of funding proven health interventions, emphasizing the long-term impact on economic productivity and stability.
As the Global Fund launches its appeal for $18 billion to support health programs worldwide, the US’s contribution remains uncertain. However, experts like Alan Whiteside emphasize the importance of sustaining investments in HIV programs to maximize the return on investment and prevent further spread of the disease.
In the face of uncertainty, Sands and the Global Fund are committed to ensuring that lenacapavir reaches those who need it most. By prioritizing global health and investing in proven interventions, they aim to save millions of lives and create a healthier, more secure world for all. Investing in health is not just about the initial cost but about the long-term benefits that it brings. According to experts, even a small investment can lead to significant improvements in healthcare outcomes. One such example is the investment in lenacapavir, a crucial drug for HIV prevention.
Last year, Gilead issued licenses for generic versions of lenacapavir to six companies, but the availability of these generics is not expected until 2027. In the meantime, countries like South Africa are waiting for the branded version of the drug, which Gilead has offered to sell at no profit. However, the cost of the branded version is likely to be higher than what African countries can afford.
A cost model suggests that the lenacapavir jab should not cost more than R629.40 per shot or R1,258.80 for a year, to be cost-effective for countries like South Africa. However, a policy document from Avac suggests that the initial price for a year’s stock of lenacapavir should be around $100, which is higher than what South Africa can afford.
To achieve the UN goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, millions of doses of lenacapavir will be needed. The more of the drug that is produced, the cheaper it will become. But this will only happen if there are buyers willing to invest in the drug.
Investing in health is not just about HIV prevention but also about preventing other diseases. The Global Fund’s investments in infrastructure and expertise have made it possible to detect new germs and control existing health threats. Diseases do not stick within borders, and investing in healthcare is crucial to prevent the resurgence of diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria.
In conclusion, investing in health leads to greater benefits than the initial cost. It not only improves healthcare outcomes but also has economic benefits for the investor. Governments need to believe in the science and use it to make informed decisions about healthcare investments. Only through targeted investments in healthcare can we achieve better health outcomes for all. The world of online shopping has seen a rapid growth in recent years, with more and more people turning to e-commerce websites to purchase everything from clothing to electronics to groceries. One of the main reasons for this shift towards online shopping is the convenience it offers consumers. With just a few clicks, shoppers can browse through thousands of products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes.
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