Jamaica Pilots Injectable HIV Prevention

On September 30, 2025, the Jamaica Observer reported that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is considering a pilot program for lenacapavir, an injectable drug for HIV prevention. [1] Dr. Nicola Skyers, senior medical officer for the National HIV/STI programme, revealed the plan, which Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed. [1] The drug, which is administered twice a year, will be available at no cost within the public health system. [1] Former U.S. President Bill Clinton described the drug as “a genuine chance to end” the global epidemic. [1]

The World Health Organization recommended lenacapavir as a preventive drug after it almost completely prevented new infections in clinical trials. [1] This development comes as experts consider its potential effect on the 1.3 million new HIV infections recorded worldwide last year. [1] According to Dr. Skyers, the ministry also has plans for the roll-out of cabotegravir, another injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that is taken every two months for HIV prevention. [1]