A new hope: A groundbreaking shot for preventing HIV shows promise for communities that are often left out.

A new drug called lenacapavir has been found to be very effective in preventing HIV infections. It is given as a shot twice a year and has shown promising results in studies.

The drugmaker, Gilead, has agreed to allow cheaper versions of the drug to be sold in many poor countries. However, most Latin American countries are excluded from this agreement, causing concern among health experts.

Experts believe that lenacapavir could be a game-changer in the fight against HIV, particularly for vulnerable populations. These groups often face barriers to accessing healthcare, and a twice-yearly shot would be easier to manage.

While some argue that Gilead's focus on the hardest-hit countries is understandable, others criticize the exclusion of Latin America. They point to rising HIV rates in the region and the need for greater access to prevention tools.

Advocacy groups are calling for wider access to lenacapavir, including through measures like compulsory licensing. They emphasize the urgency of making this highly effective drug available to all who need it.