Africa-Press – Lesotho. Some members of the public say they can’t wait for the roll-out of the HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, to be introduced in the country in February next year.
Lenacapavir is one of PrEP type injections and is injected twice a year (every six months).
Speaking in an interview with the Agency, one Ms. Maliteboho Mohapi said most people were unable to take the PrEP tablets consistently as they were taken once a day, every day.
” The tablets are taken as if one is sick yet the intention is to prevent HIV infection hence they are not different from Antiretroviral tablets” she added, expressing gratitude to the country for finally introducing Lenacapavir as it will be injected twice a year.
She also appealed to Basotho, particularly youth, to abstain from sex or condomise to avoid being at risk of contacting other sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies amongst others.
However, some Members of Parliament earlier in the National Assembly said they were worried the injection might contribute towards infection of other sexually transmitted diseases and fear people would no longer use condoms, particularly older people who engage in love affairs with youth.
Responding to the above, the Minister of Health Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane assured that the Ministry would embark on public outreach with the objective to share information, educate and instill the importance of abstinence and condom use.
Meanwhile statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that HIV infections in Lesotho have been reduced by 83 percent and reduced AIDS-related deaths by half. It adds that 97 percent of Basotho know their status, 97 of those who know their status are on life-saving treatment and 99 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
Moreover, it indicates that while 99 percent of children living with HIV know their status, only 77 percent are on treatment and only 75 percent are virally suppressed.
