Men having sex with men (MSM) in Cameroon are disproportionately affected by HIV. We evaluated virological response and HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) at a community-based organization between 2022 and 2023. Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) sessions were conducted for all and cases with unsuppressed viral load (VL > 1000 copies/ml) underwent genotyping. From 502 treatment-experienced MSM enrolled, 95 (18.9%) had unsuppressed VL with 82 (86.3%) accepting to participate (ART-duration: 3 [2-5] years; 95.1% (78/82) under Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir). EAC led to 97.6% (80/82) suppression with 1/2 participant harboring HIVDR. High suppression rates and low HIVDR demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment strategies locally; supporting the possibility of global HIV elimination targets among key populations.

Lenacapavir is a first-in-class HIV capsid inhibitor with a long-acting formulation that enables twice-yearly dosing for both treatment and prevention. Its novel mechanism and extended dosing interval represent a paradigm shift in HIV care. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest global HIV burden but has historically experienced delayed access to biomedical innovations, raising concerns about equity and persistent global health disparities. This article presents a narrative review and policy analysis examining lenacapavir's scientific potential, its role in HIV treatment and prevention, and the structural, economic, and policy challenges affecting equitable access in African settings. Emerging evidence indicates that lenacapavir is highly effective in heavily treatment-experienced individuals, including those with multidrug-resistant HIV, and its long-acting pharmacokinetic profile supports sustained viral suppression. As a prevention strategy, twice-yearly administration offers a practical alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with the potential to improve adherence and overcome barriers related to stigma and pill burden. Despite its promise, equitable access across Africa may be limited by high costs, patent protections, restricted licensing agreements, health-system weaknesses, and evolving global HIV financing. These challenges could hinder timely introduction and widespread uptake, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Ensuring equitable access will require coordinated action among governments, international agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, donors, and civil society to strengthen affordability, availability, and implementation within existing HIV prevention and treatment programs. Lenacapavir represents a transformative advance in HIV therapy and prevention. Its impact in Africa will depend not only on scientific innovation but also on equity-focused policies, sustainable financing, and coordinated implementation strategies.

We evaluated the magnitude and function of antibody responses to seasonal influenza vaccination in individuals with HIV receiving ART compared with individuals without HIV. In a prospective cohort of 78 adults, influenza strain-specific IgG levels were measured up to one-year post-vaccination. Linear mixed-effects models assessed longitudinal trends. IgG levels peaked at two weeks and declined gradually in both groups. HIV status did not significantly influence antibody magnitude or neutralizing activity, and H1N1 antibody levels correlated with neutralization titers. These findings demonstrate robust, durable, and functional humoral response in well-controlled HIV, supporting the effectiveness of annual influenza vaccination in this population.