Maseru, Feb.27 — The government of Lesotho on Friday received 6000 doses of Lenacapavir vaccine from the United States under Global Fund at the event held in Mafeteng.
In her remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara said they are privileged to receive this innovation, which strengthens national response to HIV and brings new hope to the nation.
She said Lenacapavir is by no means a substitute to prevention measures but rather strengthens the fight against HIV.
She expressed appreciation for support of Global Fund and the US state department.
She further expressed gratitude to development and implementing partners for collaborating with the ministry including PSI, CHAI, EGPAF, Mothers to Mothers and Jhpiego to mention a few.
She added the government of Lesotho remains committed to building resilient health system.
On the other hand, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said this is an immense contribution and partnership between Lesotho and development partners.
She extended appreciation to the Global Fund for the unwavering efforts to fight HIV in Lesotho as well as the United States for support.
She urged all to remember that together they can continue to advance healthy lives for Basotho saying these vaccines should not diminish the efforts to continue preventing in other ways such as prevention measures.
On the other hand, Minister of Health Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane said since 2010 until 2024 when Lesotho reached 95-95-95 of fighting HIV, saying currently recorded 3,200 new infections.
He explained that people who are legible to use the new vaccine are those who know their status and are HIV negative but are vulnerable especially youth and elderly.
He emphasised that it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy highlighting that use of condoms is the major prevention measure.
Lenacapavir works by targeting the HIV capsid, with clinical trials showing extremely high efficacy, nearly eliminating new infections. Key side effects include injection site reactions (pain, swelling, nodules).
The next dose will arrive in June.
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