A recent study published by drugmaker Gilead has shown that a twice-yearly shot called lenacapavir can prevent HIV infections with nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing the virus in women and men. The vaccine is being hailed as the closest the world has ever come to a cure for AIDS.
Gilead plans to make cheap, generic versions of the vaccine available in 120 poor countries with high HIV rates, mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. However, critics are concerned that nearly all of Latin America has been excluded from this deal, sparking fears that the world is missing a critical opportunity to stop the disease.
“This is so far superior to any other prevention method we have,” said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS. “But the world’s ability to stop AIDS hinges on its use in at-risk countries.”
UNAIDS reported that the number of AIDS-related deaths last year was at its lowest since 2004, suggesting that the world is at a historic crossroads and has a chance to end the epidemic.
The vaccine is already sold under the brand name Sunlenca for treating HIV infections in the US, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere. Gilead plans to seek authorization soon to use the vaccine for HIV prevention.
Experts say the vaccine would be particularly useful for marginalized communities, such as gay men, sex workers, and young women, who often fear seeking care due to stigma. A study in Mexico showed that the vaccine was effective in preventing HIV infections, but experts are concerned that Latin America is being left behind.
“This is a public health emergency in Latin America,” said Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Global Health Institute at Duke University. “We need to get this vaccine to everyone who needs it.”
Advocacy groups have urged Gilead to make the generic version of the vaccine available in Latin America, citing the alarming inequity in access to new HIV prevention tools. The cost of the vaccine is estimated to be around $40 per treatment once production expands.
The global response to this development has been mixed, with some countries like Norway and France paying over $40,000 per year for the vaccine, while others have calculated that it could be produced for a fraction of the cost.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/hiv-infections-aids-prevention-shot-02606f7d7892f0baf55bd0a0ff2ba3de