Somebody call Hasina

South Africa is set to launch lenacapavir (LEN), a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, in 360 healthcare facilities nationwide. The drug has shown near-perfect efficacy in preventing HIV infections when administered every six months, marking a potential breakthrough in HIV prevention efforts. The roll-out is led by Hasina Subedar, the health department’s senior technical adviser for HIV prevention, who has spent nine months coordinating logistics, training, and drug supply chains. Subedar previously oversaw the successful national roll-out of daily PrEP pills, earning recognition as one of the most experienced advocates for HIV prevention strategies. Despite progress, challenges remain due to funding cuts from the Trump administration, which have weakened infrastructure for HIV testing and recruitment. A report by Physicians for Human Rights highlights gaps in demand creation for LEN, complicating efforts to ensure widespread access. Subedar has worked tirelessly, often from 6am to 11pm daily, to finalize training materials and secure drug deliveries. She describes the process as ‘immensely complex,’ requiring strict oversight to prevent delays. With LEN now available in the country, the next phase focuses on reaching high-risk populations efficiently. While some experts question the rapid roll-out’s public benefit in African contexts, Subedar remains focused on execution. She emphasizes the need for precision in distribution to maximize the drug’s impact amid limited resources.