By Huldah Shado

A landmark agreement is set to transform HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries, with generic versions of the injectable drug lenacapavir to be made available for just $40 per year starting in 2027, Unitaid and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced on Wednesday.

The twice-yearly injection marketed in the United States as Yeztugo by Gilead Sciences, has been shown to reduce HIV transmission risk by more than 99.9 percent. While the drug currently costs about $28,000 annually in the U.S., the rollout of generics is expected to significantly expand global access.

Unitaid confirmed partnerships with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI to deliver the treatment in 120 countries.

“The product will initially be manufactured in India, but we are also working toward regional production in the future,” said Carmen Perez Casas, Unitaid’s strategic lead for HIV.

The Gates Foundation separately announced a deal with Indian pharmaceutical company Hetero to ensure wide distribution.

“Scientific advances like lenacapavir can help us end the HIV epidemic, if they are made accessible to people who can benefit from them the most,” said Trevor Mundel, the foundation’s head of global health.

Although global HIV infections have declined by 40 percent since 2010, UNAIDS data shows 1.3 million people contracted the virus in 2024.

Advocates stress that affordable generics such as lenacapavir are essential to sustaining progress.

While the $40 generics are expected from 2027, Gilead has also signed an agreement with the Global Fund to expand access in low-income countries in the short term.

The U.S. government has reaffirmed support for the initiative, ensuring funding was preserved despite proposed foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump.

The first batches of Yeztugo are expected to be delivered to at least one African country before the end of this year.

By Omoniyi David

The Edo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has lauded the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, Dr. Phillip Ugbodaga, for what it described as outstanding leadership and visible progress at the newly established tertiary institution.

State NMA Chairman, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the hospital ahead of the forthcoming Physicians’ Week and the South-South NMA Games.

He said Dr. Ugbodaga’s “result-oriented and transformational leadership” had already placed the hospital on an upward trajectory in delivering quality healthcare.

The delegation, led by Oseghale, toured the facilities and expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and staff professionalism.

Responding, Dr. Ugbodaga, a former Edo NMA Chairman and ex-CMD of the Central Hospital, Benin, thanked the association for the recognition and pledged continued commitment to patient-centred care, accountability, and alignment with the Federal Ministry of Health’s 4-Point Agenda and the hospital’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

The visit also featured the unveiling of a newly acquired vehicle by the Edo NMA.

Senior management of the hospital and members of the Edo NMA leadership were in attendance.

By Onilede Titi Faith

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Friday embarked on a five-day warning strike over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and other unresolved welfare issues.

The strike, which began at 8:00 am on September 12, followed the expiration of a final ultimatum to the Federal Government.

NARD said government inaction on its long-standing demands left it with no option but to proceed with industrial action.

Resident doctors, who deliver a significant share of clinical services in Nigeria’s public hospitals, warned that the strike would paralyse healthcare delivery nationwide, leaving patients stranded.

In a notice titled Declaration of Strike Action and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association directed all members across federal and state hospitals to fully comply.

“All centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated,” the statement read.

The decision followed a six-hour Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC), meeting held virtually after the government failed to act on multiple ultimatums.

NARD had issued a 21-day deadline in July, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10. A final 24-hour notice expired on September 11.

The association said it was disappointed that, despite repeated extensions, the government failed to address critical welfare concerns.