## New HIV Prevention Tool: WHO Endorses Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injections
The World Health Association (WHO) has issued new guidance advocating for the use of lenacapavir, administered as an injection twice annually, as a preventative measure against HIV infection [[1]].This proposal, unveiled recently, expands the toolkit available for individuals at risk and signifies a potential shift in global HIV prevention strategies.
### expanding Prevention Options: A Focus on Individual Choice
According to Michelle Rodolph, a technical officer at the WHO who presented these recommendations at the International AIDS Society Conference in kigali, Rwanda, lenacapavir is intended to serve as *another* layer of protection, not a replacement for existing methods.The WHO stresses that offering a variety of preventative options is crucial to maximizing uptake and effectiveness. Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals are more likely to engage in preventative measures when presented with multiple choices tailored to their needs [[1]]. This approach mirrors triumphant public health campaigns in other areas, such as vaccination programs offering multiple vaccine formulations to accommodate diverse patient preferences.
### lenacapavir: Background and implementation Considerations
Lenacapavir received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Management (FDA) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in june 2025 [[2]]. However, successful integration of this new preventative tool requires careful planning and investment. Rodolph highlighted the need for increased training for healthcare providers administering the injection, robust monitoring systems to track its effectiveness and potential side effects, and active engagement with communities to ensure accessibility and address any concerns. Importantly, the WHO guidelines support the use of lenacapavir in individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.### Advancements in HIV Testing Alongside New Preventative Measures
In addition to the lenacapavir recommendation, the WHO also announced updated guidance on HIV diagnostic testing. The organization now supports the use of rapid diagnostic tests to inform decisions regarding the initiation, continuation, and cessation of long-acting PrEP [[1]]. While the evidence supporting this recommendation is currently considered to have low certainty, the WHO will continuously evaluate new data and refine its guidance accordingly. This commitment to evidence-based practice underscores the organization’s dedication to optimizing HIV prevention strategies.
These combined recommendations represent a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to combat the HIV epidemic globally.