Wild Flower
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- Jul 20, 2023
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The introduction of the injectable drug Lenacapavir, alongside major reforms in the health service delivery system, marks a new phase in Tanzania's fight against HIV, with the government also planning to phase out specialised Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) to reduce stigma and improve access to services.
The government has begun preparations to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medicine expected to serve as an alternative to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for some patients, particularly those who struggle with daily medication or have developed resistance to existing treatment. Unlike most ARVs, which must be taken every day, Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, a development expected to improve adherence and reduce the risk of patients missing doses.
Speaking in an interview in Dodoma, Chief Government Pharmacist Daudi Msasi said the drug will mainly be used for patients who have developed resistance to other ARVs, those who fail to follow daily treatment schedules, and people at high risk of infection who require preventive treatment (PrEP).
"This is a major transformation. We are talking about a person receiving one injection that protects or treats them for six months. This completely changes the approach to HIV treatment," said Mr Msasi. He said the drug showed high effectiveness in early trials, including studies conducted in Uganda in 2025, and has already been approved internationally by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
SOURCE: THE CITIZEN
The government has begun preparations to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medicine expected to serve as an alternative to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for some patients, particularly those who struggle with daily medication or have developed resistance to existing treatment. Unlike most ARVs, which must be taken every day, Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, a development expected to improve adherence and reduce the risk of patients missing doses.
Speaking in an interview in Dodoma, Chief Government Pharmacist Daudi Msasi said the drug will mainly be used for patients who have developed resistance to other ARVs, those who fail to follow daily treatment schedules, and people at high risk of infection who require preventive treatment (PrEP).
"This is a major transformation. We are talking about a person receiving one injection that protects or treats them for six months. This completely changes the approach to HIV treatment," said Mr Msasi. He said the drug showed high effectiveness in early trials, including studies conducted in Uganda in 2025, and has already been approved internationally by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
SOURCE: THE CITIZEN
