In a major step toward ending the global HIV epidemic, Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund have announced a new plan to deliver a revolutionary HIV prevention injection—lenacapavir—to millions of people in low-income countries.

This long-acting injection, which only needs to be taken twice a year, was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is being hailed as a game-changer in HIV prevention. For many at risk of HIV, especially in parts of Africa where access to healthcare is limited, this shot offers a more convenient and stigma-free alternative to daily pills.

Under the new agreement, Gilead will supply enough doses to protect up to 2 million people over the next three years—without making any profit. The Global Fund, which supports health systems in over 100 countries, will help ensure the shots reach those who need them most, especially in high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is a critical moment,” said Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands. “With lenacapavir, we have the potential to prevent millions of new infections and move closer to ending the HIV epidemic.”

Gilead has also licensed the drug to six generic manufacturers so that more affordable versions can eventually be produced and distributed across 120 low- and middle-income countries. However, it will take time for those generic versions to become available at scale—making Gilead’s donation of its own product a vital short-term lifeline. While the initiative is a promising start, experts warn that more funding and political will are needed to meet the full demand. Unlike past HIV programs, this rollout does not currently include support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), raising concerns about sustainability.