Guidelines on Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention and Testing Strategies for Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

In this guideline, WHO recommends an offering long-acting injectable lenacapavir (LEN) as an additional HIV prevention choice, as part of combination HIV prevention approaches. LEN, administered twice a year as PrEP, has been shown to be highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV acquisition. In this guideline, WHO also recommends using HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for individuals initiating or continuing long-acting injectable PrEP, such as LEN and long acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA). Flexible HIV testing approaches are essential for ensuring that testing does not become a barrier to accessing or continuing PrEP, including long-acting injectable options.

This guideline provides implementation considerations to support Member States, programme managers, policy makers, researchers, health workers, communities, and other stakeholders in the implementation programmes for LEN and testing for long-acting injectable PrEP. It also outlines critical research gaps, including for HIV self-testing for long-acting injectable PrEP.