Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao has announced that Namibia will move towards regulatory approval for the rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection for the treatment and prevention of HIV.

Dr. Luvindao said that the country cannot introduce the drug in public facilities until prices fall. She was speaking at the World AIDS Day Commemoration on Monday.

She also said the government has started the approval process to allow Lenacapavir into the Namibian market.

Dr. Luvindao said that only private-sector patients who can afford it will initially have access to the breakthrough medication. 

The government, according to the minister, will pursue global negotiations to secure price reductions so the drug can eventually reach vulnerable and young populations in the public health system.

Dr. Luvindao said Namibia has begun increasing domestic resources to cover gaps created by reduced donor funding, while continuing partnerships with PEPFAR, the Global Fund and UNAIDS.

Across Africa, lenacapavir is already rolling out with support from PEPFAR. 

Eswatini and Zambia have started administering the injection, becoming the first countries on the continent to do so. 

South Africa approved the drug in October this year, followed by regulatory authorisations in Zimbabwe and Malawi in November. 

Manufacturers and global health agencies say generic production of the drug is planned for 2027, which is expected to lower costs for low- and middle-income countries.