Juliet Iwelunmor, a professor of Medicine in the U.S., has identified limited access to preventive services and persistent stigma as barriers hindering the fight to end HIV/AIDS transmission among youths.

Iwelunmor, who works at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, U.S., disclosed this at the 2026 Designation organised by the Innovative Network on the Science and Practice of Implementation, Research and Engagement.

The event was organised to scale up Lenacapavir for youth-centred HIV prevention and care across Africa. Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS.

The World Health Organisation in 2025 recommended the use of injectable lenacapavir twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis option for HIV prevention.

On the programme, Ms Iwelunmor said the designathon was initiated to scale up, adapt and sustain HIV interventions for adolescents and young adults in Africa through creative ideas.

She said that eight teams, selected across Africa, were participating in the event to chart a new course for HIV/AIDS prevention on the continent.

She added that Lenacapavir was one of the most promising long-acting HIV prevention options. While the science is strong, the pathway for equitable access, acceptability and effective delivery is still emerging in African settings.

Ms Iwelunmor commended the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and other partners for their support of the programme.

(NAN)