August 19th, 2026-Mansa District has taken another important step in strengthening HIV prevention following an orientation on Lenacapavir (LEN), a new long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
The orientation, held at Mansa General Hospital, brought together health personnel and key stakeholders through a collaboration involving the University Teaching Hospital HIV and AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Mansa Municipal Council.
Lenacapavir represents an important development in HIV prevention because, unlike daily oral PrEP, it is administered as a six-monthly injection, offering eligible HIV-negative individuals an additional prevention option that can provide sustained protection against HIV when used as recommended.
The orientation is aimed at equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to introduce and deliver this new HIV prevention option effectively, while ensuring that clients receive appropriate HIV testing, counselling, follow-up and comprehensive prevention services.
The introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP also provides an opportunity to expand HIV prevention choices and address some of the challenges associated with taking a pill every day, including adherence and concerns around privacy and stigma.
As Mansa joins the wider efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, stakeholders are encouraged to ensure that communities are provided with accurate information, informed choices and access to quality prevention services.
Mansa Municipal Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of residents and contribute to the national goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
More choice, longer-acting prevention and a stronger response to HIV.
