Hope Mafaranga

  New data on twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention announced at HIVR4P 2024 By Hope Mafaranga  New data from the PURPOSE 2 study of twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention are  among the scientific highlights at HIVR4P 2024,   the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference , taking place in Lima, Peru, and virtually from 6 to 10 October. At the official HIVR4P 2024 press conference today, PURPOSE 2 principal investigator Colleen Kelley of Emory University announced new efficacy, safety and demographic data from the trial, in which only two HIV acquisitions occurred among 2,184 trial participants who were randomized to receive subcutaneous lenacapavir every six months (for details, see the press release issued today by Gilead Sciences, which developed lenacapavir). Kelley will formally present these data at HIVR4P 2024 on 8 October at  a session starting at 11:00 Peru time (PET) . PURPOSE 2 enrolled HIV-negative cisgender gay, bisexual and other men, ...

  the International AIDS Society – applauds moves by Gilead Sciences to make generic injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention widely available, but cautions that the current agreements still leave out millions around the world. Gilead  announced  on 2 October 2024 that it had signed royalty-free, non-exclusive licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers to increase access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 120 high-incidence, resource-limited countries. “The licensing agreements enabling generic versions of the HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, in certain countries is an important step forward, but large parts of the world remain excluded, including countries where trials were conducted,” IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn said. “We are hopeful that the speed with which these agreements were reached will be maintained, and that the rest of the world will soon benefit from similar agreements to make lenacapavir more affordable and offer a further potent option in ...

  NSSF members get 11.5% interest on savings. By Hope Mafaranga National Social Security Fund (NSSF) members have received 11.5% on their savings in the last financial year (2023/24). The finance minister made the announcement during the fund's 12th annual general meeting in Kampala on September 20, 2024. Last year, NSSF declared a 10% interest rate, which translated to about sh1.591 trillion in total. “Given the improved performance, I am confident that the fund will pay a competitive interest rate for the financial year 2023/24 as will be declared by the Minister of Finance,” NSSF managing director Patrick Ayota said. NSSF reported a 15% increase in earnings to sh2.53 trillion for the financial year ended June 30, 2024, driven by growth in interest, dividends, and real estate income. NSSF’s total assets under management grew 19.2% to Sh22.13 trillion, exceeding its 2025 target. Member contributions grew 12.2% to sh1.93 trillion. “Income from all three asset classes we inve...

  Global Fund Report Highlights Major Strides Against HIV, TB and Malaria, Lowered Prices for Essential Medicines   Death rate from the three diseases cut by 61% since 2002; 65 million lives saved. Sustained progress against HIV, TB and malaria in 2023, with significant price reductions and wider access to key health products across the three diseases. Data reveals Global Fund investments in HIV freed up capacity in health care facilities, allowing better response to other diseases. Climate change, conflict and threats to human rights impact progress.  Investments in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria have saved a total of 65 million lives and cut the combined death rate from the three diseases by 61% since 2002, according to a  new report  by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.   “Those are not mere numbers,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Each of the 65 million lives saved by our partnershi...

  IAS announces 2024 Me and My Healthcare Provider Campaign Champions to honour outstanding stigma-free services The 2024 Me and My Healthcare Provider (MMHCP) Campaign, supported by Gilead Sciences for the third year running, honours 18 frontline workers providing exemplary inclusive and stigma-free HIV services in Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, Taiwan and now, Türkiye.  11 July 2024  –  IAS –  the International AIDS Society  – with local partners, today honoured 18 Me and My Healthcare Provider Champions from Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, Taiwan and Türkiye. This award celebrates the tireless efforts of frontline healthcare workers who navigate the challenges of stigma and discrimination to provide high-quality HIV prevention, treatment and care to key populations. Despite a decrease in new acquisition rates, stigma and discrimination remain significant challenges in HIV care. According to the  People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 Global Report 2023 , wh...