As many global health fields reassess their reliance on US government funding for research and development, the STI field—already underfunded and reliant on alternate donors—now faces even greater uncertainty. In this newsletter, we share a new STI resource for advocates and highlight the top issues we’re monitoring as events continue to unfold.
STIWatch Quarterly Newsletter
March 2026
Source of Lenacapavir for PrEP Supply to Early Adopter Countries
The Global Fund, with support from CIFF, and PEPFAR have jointly committed to reaching up to two million people with injectable lenacapavir for PrEP over three years. Supply of LEN began arriving in countries in late 2025 with service delivery planned to start in early 2026.
AVAC Infographics for CROI 2026
Going to CROI? AVAC’s up-to-date infographics — on the research & development pipeline, prevention options, and the impact of US funding cuts — are available here for use in conference presentations. We constantly update these graphics, so check back for updates. The latest version of the deck will be available here.
AVAC Year in Review 2025
2025 underscored the vital role that AVAC plays in the global health ecosystem, and why our work and our partnerships have never been more essential.
This report highlights AVAC’s role as a trusted voice, a translator of science and catalyst for action and advocacy. It reflects an organization ready for the future: supporting African leadership, strengthening bridges from R&D to delivery and preparing for a new chapter as we move forward into our fourth decade as an organization. Read the PDF below or view as a webpage.
An Overview of Lenacapavir for PrEP Trials
EXPrESSIVE Phase III Program Countries of MK-8527
Seventeen countries are hosting sites for the Phase III efficacy trials of a monthly PrEP pill, MK-8527, being developed by Merck (also known as MSD outside of the US and Canada). Merck announced the launch of the Phase III trials at IAS 2025 in Kigali. MK-8527 was found to be safe and well-tolerated in Phase II clinical trials.
Lenacapavir Regulatory Approval
Regulatory approvals, pending decisions, and appeals as of February 2026. For product approvals, volumes, implementation, and price comparisons of long-acting PrEP, visit our dashboard on PrEPWatch.org.
Years Ahead in HIV Prevention Research: Time to Market
This timeline shows the potential time points when the next-generation of HIV prevention options might find their way into new programs.
HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials Pipeline
This graphic summarizes the state of HIV vaccine research, detailing the different immunological approaches in clinical trials, the specific candidates being studied, and the collaborative networks of funders and developers working toward an effective vaccine.
Lenacapavir Implementation Studies
Ongoing and planned implementation studies for the lenacapavir as of February 2026. For product approvals, volumes, implementation, and price comparisons of long-acting PrEP, visit our dashboard on PrEPWatch.org.