By Samantha Linda
With decreased funding posing a threat to efforts made in tackling HIV, long-acting prevention tools are the best solution, experts say.
They were speaking during a webinar focusing on the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) held in Kigali, Rwanda, in July. The session brought together scientists and community leaders to unpack scientific breakthroughs and emerging priorities in the global HIV response.
Among these long-acting prevention tools is lenacapavir, the first twice-yearly injectable prophylaxis. Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), lenacapavir is administered every six months, reducing adherence challenges and offering a discreet prevention option for populations facing stigma or treatment fatigue. Clinical trials have demonstrated high efficacy, with almost no new infections reported among participants. Researchers believe this innovation could transform HIV prevention, especially for young people and key populations in Africa.
Another tool under review is cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA), administered every two months. CAB-LA has shown promising results in African pilot programs, with high uptake among young women and men who have sex with men. Its shorter dosing schedule compared to lenacapavir allows flexibility while maintaining strong protection. Public health experts note, however, that successful scale-up will depend on price reductions and local manufacturing capacity.
The dapivirine vaginal ring, which provides a month of protection, was also highlighted for its role in expanding prevention choices for women. The ring, which can be self-inserted and replaced, gives women greater autonomy in HIV prevention. In regions where gender inequality limits negotiation of condom use, the dapivirine ring is viewed as an important female-controlled intervention.
Prof. Alexandra Calmy of Geneva University Hospitals explained that the introduction of long-acting prevention tools signal a shift in HIV science toward patient-centered approaches.
“We are no longer only asking people to adapt to medicine. We are designing medicine that adapts to people’s lives,” she said, noting that treatment options must remain diverse to address different needs.
Gaston Devisich of Fundación Huésped, Argentina, focused on health systems and policy integration. He emphasized that countries should embed these innovations within broader health services rather than keeping them in specialized HIV clinics, which often reinforce stigma. Drawing lessons from Latin America, he said that integration into primary care can normalize HIV services, increase uptake, and reduce barriers to access.
From the community perspective, Kenyan activist Doreen Moraa Moracha underscored the role of lived experiences in shaping the HIV response. Living openly with HIV since birth, she reminded participants that science alone cannot end AIDS.
“Science gives us tools, but communities give us courage,” she said. She called for greater involvement of young people in decision-making and awareness campaigns to address stigma and ensure new prevention tools reach those most at risk.
Despite scientific progress, funding gaps remain a pressing challenge. UNAIDS reported that 1.3 million new HIV infections occurred in 2024, and declining donor commitments threaten prevention and treatment programs in many low- and middle-income countries. Speakers urged governments to increase domestic financing and explore innovative mechanisms such as public-private partnerships to sustain progress.
The webinar concluded with a call to action: scaling up new prevention technologies, investing in resilient health systems, and empowering communities will be essential in maintaining momentum toward ending AIDS by 2030. For Africa, where young people account for a large share of new infections, ensuring access to these innovations could determine whether the global HIV response advances or stalls.
