In Mozambique, the drug lenacapavir, designed to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is already being used in 17 medical facilities in the Zambezia province, located in the country's center, as well as in 21 facilities in the Maputo province in the south. Additionally, the drug has started being used in another 17 medical facilities in the city of Maputo, while in the northern Nampula province, it was introduced in one health unit.
The Ministry clarified that the drug is being implemented not only in polyclinics but also in hospitals. The initial goal of implementation in 55 health units has been achieved, although the total number of health facilities remains the same, with a geographical scope adjustment, including expansion to the Nampula province.
According to government data, as of August 21, 15,703 people have started prevention using lenacapavir: 9,264 recipients are in the Zambezia province, 4,263 in the city of Maputo, 2,146 in the Maputo province, and 30 in Nampula.
The country initially received about 17,280 doses to begin this form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Given the high rate of use, the Ministry of Health is regularly monitoring supplies, redistribution between provinces, and subsequent deliveries to ensure service continuity.
Health authorities state that measures are being taken to monitor implementation, clinical observation of beneficiaries, pharmacovigilance, HIV testing, inventory management, and strengthening PrEP referral and continuity mechanisms. The collected data will be used to gradually expand the use of lenacapavir to other provinces and medical facilities.
The Ministry of Health explains that lenacapavir is a new long-acting injectable form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, administered every six months to people with negative HIV status who are at risk of infection, and was introduced as part of strengthening combined HIV prevention.
Mozambique began using this injectable drug on April 22, first in the Maputo province, with the aim of reducing new infections and accelerating disease control in the country.
The Minister of Health of Mozambique, Usseene Isse, stated that the country proudly launches this new innovative therapy, effective for the health of the Mozambican people, as they are confident that joint efforts and implemented interventions can ensure people's health in the medium and long term.
The new form of PrEP started in the Maputo province, marking the introduction of 'innovative technology' in the fight against HIV, with initial application for individuals over 15 years old.
The Minister of Health noted that Mozambique records about 92 thousand new infections annually, of which 34 thousand are among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24, a group considered a priority in the new prevention strategy.
Usseene Isse emphasized the potential of the new approach to reduce stigma and increase adherence to prevention, especially among youth and adolescents. He also noted that Mozambique is among nine African countries that have access to this new technology, which is considered highly effective and long-term, but warned about the need for strict control when administering the drug.
The implementation of lenacapavir is supported by the Government of the United States and the World Health Organization (WHO) within international partnerships to strengthen HIV prevention and control in the country.