MASERU–The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Tuesday held a Media Sensitization Workshop in Maseru to brief journalists on the introduction of Lenacapavir (LEN) as part of Lesotho’s comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.
The workshop equipped media practitioners with evidence-based information to promote accurate reporting and strengthen public awareness of the new HIV prevention option.
HIV and AIDS Communication Expert and Health Promotion Head, Mr. Baroane Phenethi said the training reflects the critical role the media plays in shaping public understanding of health innovations.
He noted that HIV prevention and treatment continue to evolve through scientific advancements, with Lenacapavir emerging as a promising long-acting option.
He explained that Lenacapavir has a unique mechanism of action and an extended dosing schedule, which has the potential to transform how individuals access and adhere to HIV prevention services, pointing out that long-acting nature reduces the need for frequent health facility visits.
Mr. Phenethi stressed that scientific progress alone is not enough without accurate and responsible reporting. He warned that misinformation can undermine trust, fuel stigma and slow progress in the fight against HIV. He urged journalists to report in a balanced, factual and stigma-free manner.
Dr. Nthuseng Marake from the HIV and AIDS Programme described Lenacapavir as a highly effective, long-acting PrEP that prevents individuals from acquiring HIV. She said clinical trials have shown strong protection and good safety outcomes.
She explained that the dosing schedule includes an initiation phase with subcutaneous injections and oral tablets, followed by injections every 26 weeks. She explained that the injection is administered in the abdominal area, and side effects are generally mild to moderate.
Dr. Marake clarified that Lenacapavir is not a vaccine and does not cure HIV. She said it is a long-acting prevention medicine that works while present in the body, and in some cases may also be used as part of treatment for people living with HIV.
Ms.Morongoe Nyakane from the HIV and AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Department provided an overview of the HIV epidemic in Lesotho.
Ms. Nyakane said the country is among five that have reduced annual new HIV infections by at least 75 % between 2010 and 2024.
She noted that adult HIV prevalence declined by 31% from 25 % in 2010. However, she noted that the highest prevalence remains in Maseru, Mafeteng and Leribe and Mohale’s Hoek.
Ms. Nyakane added that mother-to-child transmission declined from 17.7% in 2010 to 5.5 % in 2024. She said the number of people living with HIV has stabilised due to fewer new infections and fewer AIDS-related deaths, although men continue to show lower engagement in HIV services.
Mrs. Anna Masheane Moseneke from the Disease Control Department explained that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves the use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative individuals to prevent infection. She said Lesotho began implementing PrEP in June 2016.
She outlined that PrEP is available as oral and injectable options and is recommended for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
“These include people in sero-different relationships, those with multiple sexual partners and individuals engaging in condomless sex with partners of unknown HIV status,” she highlighted.
Mrs. Moseneke emphasised that while PrEP protects against HIV, it does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections. She encouraged continued use of condoms and other contraceptive methods for broader protection.
According to the Global Fund, Lenacapavir is the first injectable HIV prevention option that requires just two doses annually offering a discreet convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP .
Ends/MAMAJ
