Maseru—For 35-year-old Mokeseng Habasisi, being the first man in Lesotho to receive Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention injection, was a remarkable and life-changing moment. 

“I am happy to be amongst the first recipients stepping forward to embrace new prevention methods”, says Habasisi.

Lesotho has taken a historic step in the fight against HIV with the official rollout of Lenacapavir. In a ceremony held in Butha-Buthe district, WHO joined the Ministry of Health and other partners to witness this milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter in HIV prevention.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health, Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, emphasized the importance of combination prevention, noting that the rollout is about people expanding choices, strengthening prevention, and ensuring that every individual at risk of HIV has access to effective, acceptable, and convenient options to protect their health.

Lenacapavir represents a major scientific advancement. Administered only twice a year, it has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing HIV acquisition. This innovation offers a powerful alternative for individuals who face challenges with daily oral prevention methods, and it is expected to improve adherence and reduce stigma by providing a discreet, long-acting option.

WHO recommends Lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention tool to be offered alongside other methods as part of a combination HIV prevention approach. Expanding choice is critical, as it improves uptake, adherence, and ultimately impact.

“Today’s first clients are not just recipients of a new medicine; they are pioneers of a new era in HIV prevention. Their participation signals hope and progress, not only for Lesotho but for the region and the world. This milestone reflects the country’s continued leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening HIV prevention and expanding choices for its people”, said Dr Innocent Nuwagira, WHO Representative to Lesotho. “WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Lesotho in translating these global recommendations into effective national action, ensuring that Lenacapavir is delivered safely, equitably, and at scale”.

A 48-year-old mother and PrEP Champion, Malipolelo Molisiana, expressed her joy at seeing awareness spread: “I am happy that through the awareness I created today, many Basotho who did not know about HIV prevention methods learnt something new. Even those who had not gone for HIV testing have now gone for testing.” 

This rollout comes just weeks after the country received its first shipment of Lenacapavir. Approved by WHO in July 2025, its introduction is expected to drastically reduce new infections, particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and other vulnerable populations, while easing adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP.

WHO provided technical support during key stages of the country’s preparation for the adoption of Lenacapavir as a new HIV biomedical prevention intervention. This support included the development of a national roadmap, the formulation of guidelines and job aids, and assistance with the national launch of the intervention. WHO will continue to play a critical role, supporting the effective roll‑out of Lenacapavir as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package, with a strong focus on monitoring implementation to ensure quality, effectiveness, and impact.

With Lenacapavir now available, Lesotho joins the ranks of countries pioneering innovative HIV prevention strategies. The rollout shows the nation’s commitment to achieving the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat, while ensuring that every Mosotho has access to life-saving prevention tools.