Malawians can protect themselves from HIV by receiving Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable medication administered every six months. GREATNESS MDALA of Malawi News Agency writes
Malawi has launched Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable medicine for HIV prevention, which offers up to six months of protection from a single injection.
Lenacapavir, available at select health facilities in Blantyre and Lilongwe, aims to enhance HIV prevention services and provide alternatives to daily pills for those at high risk.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation said the injectable prevention option is now available at selected health facilities in Blantyre and Lilongwe districts as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention services and improve access to innovative interventions.
According to the ministry, Lenacapavir is administered to HIV-negative individuals and is intended for people assessed by trained health workers to have a higher risk of acquiring HIV.
The ministry said the medicine targets groups such as people with an HIV-positive partner who is not virally suppressed or whose HIV status is unknown, people with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people at risk of HIV, people who inject drugs and share injecting equipment, adolescent girls and young women, among others.
The introduction of Lenacapavir provides another option alongside existing HIV prevention methods, particularly for individuals who may face challenges taking daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chief Civic Education Officer Kondwani Hilary Chitosi said public awareness will be central to ensuring communities understand the purpose and correct use of the new intervention.
CHITOSI- There is need to pass accurate information
Chitosi said without clear, accurate and culturally appropriate information, misconceptions surrounding the injection could affect acceptance and limit its impact.
“We anticipate deep misconceptions: confusion between prevention and cure, fears of infertility, and mistrust that this is a government experiment on rural populations. These are not just rumours; they are historical wounds we must address head-on,” he said.
He cautioned that some people may wrongly assume that Lenacapavir treats HIV, protects against all sexually transmitted infections or replaces other prevention measures such as condom use.
Chitosi urged health authorities and partners involved in the roll-out to provide clear information on eligibility, especially during the initial phase when access is limited to selected facilities.
“Eligibility must be communicated with surgical clarity. Transparency on prioritisation prevents perceptions of favouritism, and training for implementers on eligibility criteria is essential,” he said.
He further called for awareness materials to address concerns around possible side effects, fertility, the small visible nodule that may appear under the skin after injection, and cultural or spiritual beliefs surrounding the medicine.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation said the introduction of Lenacapavir is part of broader efforts to expand HIV prevention options and support people at increased risk of infection to access appropriate services.