Wu-Tang Clan Prepares To Enter The Final Chamber With Last Tour
Run the Jewels will join the 'Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber' when it begins on June 6 in Baltimore.
Legendary hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan has announced that is embarking on its final tour—for the children, of course.
According to The Associated Press, the Staten Island collective will start its farewell tour in Baltimore on June 6 at CFG Bank Areana and end it in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on July 18.
Killer Mike and El-P, known as Run the Jewels, will join the group on the “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.”
Original members (besides Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who died in 2004), Method Man, RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Cappadonna, and Masta Killa will participate in the North American tour.
“Wu-Tang Clan has shown the world many chambers throughout our career; this tour is called The Final Chamber. This is a special moment for me and all my Wu brothers to run around the globe together one more time and spread the Wu swag, music, and culture,” RZA said in a written statement.
“Most importantly to touch our fans and those who have supported us throughout the years. On this tour, we’re playing songs we’ve never played before to our audience and me and our production team have designed a Wu-Tang show unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”
The Wu-Tang Clan will hit the following stops: Raleigh, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta; Fort Worth, Texas; Houston; Austin, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Phoenix; Ontario, Canada; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Sacramento, California; Seattle; Vancouver, Canada; Portland, Oregon; Greenwood Village, Colorado; Chicago; Detroit; Columbus, Ohio; Boston; Laval, Canada; Toronto; New York; and Newark, New Jersey.
Tickets are slated to go on sale Friday, Feb. 28.
Wu-Tang Clan was formed in 1992 and released its debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in 1993.
Nearly 20 HBCUs Impacted After USDA Temporarily Suspended 1890 National Scholars Program
The program aids HBCU students who major in agriculture and natural sciences.
Students across almost 20 HBCUs are feeling the impact of the U.S. Department of Agriculture temporarily suspending its 1890 National Scholars Program, which helps students from underserved communities pursue degrees in agriculture, science, and natural resources.
According to 8News, Virginia State University confirmed that 16 enrolled students have already received the comprehensive scholarship, which usually covers full tuition, room and board, and other fees.
“I was kind of getting excited because I [was] like, ‘Man, if I can get the scholarship, the rest of my expenses for the semester can be paid off,’” said VSU freshman Tobias Clark. “But I had applied, woke up the next morning and found out it had been suspended.
Fortunately, for applicants and current recipients, the USDA lifted the program’s suspension on Feb. 24. Nobody explained why the program was postponed, but many assume it stemmed from President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI efforts and initiatives.
Formed in 1992, the 1890 National Scholars Program is an agreement between the USDA and 19 HBCUs deemed “1890” universities.
On Feb. 19, the scholarship’s website revealed that the program was suspended “pending further review,” causing massive confusion and outrage. Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL) publicly condemned the move, with the latter calling it “calculated and unacceptable.”
“We are still assessing the impact of the USDA’s decision to suspend the 1890 Scholars Program, which currently supports 16 VSU students in their academic and professional pursuits within the agriculture industry,” VSU said in a statement. “This program has been an invaluable resource for HBCU students, and its suspension could have significant effects. However, we remain committed to advocating for and supporting all our students as best we can.”
Clark noted how the scholarship provides opportunities for more diversity, specifically in the agricultural field. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Black people accounted for 1.4% of the country’s 3.4 million producers.
He added, “The more Black faces we get in any field—even outside of agriculture—is going to push more Black individuals to go into those fields and…it’ll just be good for the community as a whole.”
Chris Jasper, Former Isley Brothers Member, Dead At 73
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member was diagnosed with cancer in December 2024
After being diagnosed with cancer in December 2024, The Isley Brothers’ Chris Jasper has died at 73.
Jasper’s family posted the announcement on his Facebook page on Monday, Feb. 24, stating he died the previous day on Sunday, Feb. 23.
“Chris Jasper, renowned singer-songwriter and producer known for his pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Isley Brothers and Isley-Jasper-Isley, and over three decades as a distinguished solo artist, passed away on February 23 at the age of 73 following a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.”
The musician’s career included being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. Two years later, Jasper received the National R&B Society Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2020, he was awarded the Soultracks Lifetime Achievement Award. Chris was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.
The Isley Brothers started their musical journey in the 1950s with brothers O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, and Ronald Isley. In 1973, the trio became a six-member R&B group when Jasper (Rudolph’s brother-in-law), Ernie Isley, and Marvin Isley joined the group. Chris wrote, arranged, and produced many songs, including classics like “For the Love of You,” “Between the Sheets,” and “Fight the Power.”
Jasper left The Isley Brothers in 1984 when he formed Isley-Jasper-Isley with Ernie and Marvin Isley. One of their standout hits was 1985’s “Caravan of Love.”
Three years after debuting in the group, Jasper launched his solo career in 1987 and started his own record label, Gold City Records. Through the label, he released 17 R&B albums, including four gospel albums.
He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Margie Jasper, a New York-based attorney and author, and his three sons, Michael, Nicholas, and Christopher.
Trump Cabinet Members Call Musk’s Task Request ‘Voluntary,’ Federal Workers Can Ignore
The only agencies complying with Musk's request are the Departments of Transportation and Treasury.
Days after Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Director Elon Musk demanded federal workers to send emails of daily tasks, sworn-in cabinet members told their teams to ignore it,USA Today reports.
The original email threatened workers with termination if they failed to comply; however, after several agencies said the email could be ignored, an updated email, sent on Feb. 24, now says responses are “voluntary.” Before that, 12 agencies, including Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Darin Selnick, had already alerted their staff that they didn’t have to comply with Musk’s request simply because he was not their boss.
“The Department of Defense is responsible for reviewing the performance of its personnel, and it will conduct any review in accordance with its own procedures,” Selnick wrote in a statement to his department staff.
“When and if required, the Department will coordinate responses to the email you have received from OPM. For now, please pause any response to the OPM email titled ‘What did you do last week.’”
The other agencies not complying are the Departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, State, Energy, the IRS, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Institutes of Health, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the CDC, NASA, and the FBI.
According to the Associated Press, one of newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel’s first tasks was to tell his staff to ignore the email until further notice. “The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all of our review processes and will conduct reviews in accordance with FBI procedures,” Patel wrote.
“When and if further information is required, we will coordinate the responses. For now, please pause any responses.”
The only agencies complying with the tech billionaire’s request are the Departments of Transportation and Treasury and independent agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Several lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, are side-eying Musk’s email while President Donald Trump is praising it and mocking those who were victims of some of the mass federal layoffs. Experts like Republican strategist Susan Del Percio and professor and director of George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs Peter Loge look at the back and forth between agencies and Musk as chaos just weeks into the new administration’s reign.
Del Percio feels the agencies don’t like Musk going over their heads.
“What agency head or company head wouldn’t be mad if someone came in and sent that kind of email without consulting them?”
Loge calls the defiance “one more crack.”
“This is a bit of a rattling roller coaster of chaos, and the thing about rattling roller coasters is they don’t tend to last very long,” he continued.
There may be some truth in their thoughts, as acting general counsel Sean Keveney said he was “personally insulted” by the request. “I’ll be candid with you. Having put in over 70 hours of work last week advancing the Administration’s priorities, I was personally insulted to receive the below email,” Keveney said.
“I have received no assurances that there are appropriate protections in place to safeguard responses to this email.”
Advancing Black Professionals Summit Returns To Nashville
The Advancing Black Professionals Summit returns to Nashville for the third year in a row on Feb. 28.
Black leaders from corporate America, entrepreneurship, and other industries will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday, Feb. 28, for the third annual Advancing Black Professionals Summit (ABP).
The event will take place at Hilton Garden Inn Nashville West End Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT. Breakfast and parking are included.
Hosted by Career Thrivers, the summit assembles top Black executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for an exclusive, off-the-record discussion on leadership, career advancement, and wealth creation for Black professionals. The event is designed to equip the Black workforce with actionable strategies and real-world insights to navigate today’s workplace successfully.
“Thriving Black professionals are not optional—we are essential. We lead. We build. We influence. And we’re going to keep doing so, whether in the boardroom or in the businesses we create,” Brittany N. Cole, CEO of Career Thrivers and creator of the Advancing Black Professionals Summit, said in a press release.
This year’s event holds special significance following Career Thrivers’ official proclamation from the City of Nashville, designating the last week of February as Advancing Black Professionals Week.
The summit will feature a panel of senior Black executives and business leaders sharing insights on navigating corporate spaces, securing sponsorship, and advancing into leadership roles.
Attendees can also participate in a leadership branding workshop focused on positioning for influence and opportunity. A session on income generation will explore profitable business models and wealth-building strategies, while a keynote on mental health and workplace resilience will provide tools for maintaining well-being while excelling in high-pressure environments.
Confirmed speakers include Dexter D. Evans, senior director of education & public programs, National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM); Raquel Martin, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, professor, and mental health advocate, and certified planner and wealth coach. Brenton Harrison.
The summit arrives at a critical moment when DEI investments face increasing challenges and career advancement pathways for people of color continue to shift. This climate makes ABP’s mission even more vital, serving as both a strategic act of resistance and empowerment. It’s a space where Black professionals can connect, strategize, and position themselves for the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes; 12 Deaths Reported Nationwide
Epidemiologic evidence indicates that this outbreak dates back to 2018, with an escalation of cases in 2024 and 2025.
A multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections has been linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial frozen supplemental shakes manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
According to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of February 24, 2025, the outbreak had resulted in 38 reported illnesses, 37 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths across 21 states.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide to food service customers, including hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The affected items include a variety of frozen shakes under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial brands. Prairie Farms Dairy has been identified as the manufacturer; production takes place at its Fort Wayne facility.
Details of the Recall
On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC initiated a recall of the following 4 oz. frozen shakes:
Sysco Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake, among others.
Affected items carry best-buy dates from February 21, 2025, to February 22, 2025. The FDA advises institutions to stop serving or selling these products immediately and to clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the shakes may have contacted to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Symptoms and Risks
Listeria infection can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to headaches, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications.
Infections during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe infection in newborns. The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Investigation Findings
The FDA’s inspection of Prairie Farms Dairy’s Fort Wayne facility uncovered environmental contamination. Three swabs collected from the processing area tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and genetic sequencing confirmed a close relation to the outbreak strain.
Traceback investigations revealed that many affected individuals had consumed the recalled nutritional shakes while residing in LTCFs. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that this outbreak dates back to 2018, with an escalation of cases in 2024 and 2025.
Case Breakdown
Total Cases: 38
Hospitalizations: 37
Deaths: 12
States Affected: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, WA, WV
Recommendations for Consumers and Institutions
The FDA and CDC urge distributors, food service providers, and consumers to:
Stop serving or consuming recalled products.
Sanitize surfaces and containers exposed to the shakes.
Follow the FDA’s cleaning and food safety guidelines to prevent further contamination.
At-Risk Groups
The outbreak predominantly affects older adults and residents of LTCFs, who are more likely to consume supplemental shakes. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are also strongly advised to avoid recalled products.
Current Status
The FDA’s investigation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Lyons Magnus LLC and Prairie Farms Dairy are cooperating with federal agencies to address the contamination and prevent future outbreaks.
For additional details, visit the CDC’s Food Safety Alert or the FDA’s website, and contact Lyons Magnus LLC or the FDA for further recall instructions.
Committed to breaking down barriers and empowering underrepresented founders, Black Ambition will award over $1 million in funding to up to 25 applicants.
“Five years ago, Black Ambition was an idea. Today, it’s a force. A catalyst for change. A platform where underrepresented entrepreneurs don’t just get a seat at the table—they build new tables, positioning themselves for uninterrupted success…when we invest in diverse talent, we unlock limitless potential,” Williams said in a press release.
“But this is just the beginning. Let’s keep building, keep breaking barriers, and keep rewriting the rules. I can’t wait to see what we do in the next five years.”
Early-stage entrepreneurs in consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) are invited to apply. Selected participants will receive 12 weeks of mentorship, business development support, and access to a robust network of investors and industry leaders through the Black Ambitionist Mentorship Program.
“The road ahead is one of greater impact, deeper connection, and an unwavering belief that when we uplift one, we uplift all,” said Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition. “To every entrepreneur, every dreamer, and every changemaker—we see you, we celebrate you, and we are building with you. The journey continues, and one truth remains: We got us. And we are just getting started.”
The competition starts with 150-200 semifinalists chosen for a three-month mentorship program. From there, the top 40 founders head to a public voting round and pitch training, preparing them for the competition’s final stage.
The top 20 finalists will receive funding and get hands-on assistance with reworking their strategies, upgrading their pitches, and positioning their businesses for long-term success. Finally, at Black Ambition’s 5th Annual Demo Day in November, founders will have the chance to secure up to $1 million in funding, further strengthening the ecosystem of talented, underrepresented entrepreneurs driving meaningful impact.
In the last five years, Black Ambition has awarded $13 million to 131 visionary entrepreneurs, with its founder network collectively raising over $280 million and generating more than $265 million in revenue. At the 2024 Demo Day, the organization granted nearly $2.7 million to 30 groundbreaking founders.
Spirit Airlines Lowkey Reneges on ‘Fee-Free’ Promise, Reinstates Change Charges for Budget Fares
Travelers looking for fee-free flexibility may need to look elsewhere—or be prepared to pay more.
Spirit Airlines is backpedaling on its “fee-free” promise, Aviation A to Z reports.
The Miramar, Florida-based airline has lowkey reinstated change fees for its lowest-tier “Go” fares, effective February 5, 2025, less than a year after eliminating them in a bid to attract budget-conscious travelers.
The move marks a sharp reversal for Spirit, which had proudly proclaimed, “Cancellation Fees Are Cancelled for Everyone” in May 2024. At the time, the airline hoped the fee elimination would differentiate it from legacy carriers still charging change fees for basic economy fares.
Under the revised policy, Spirit’s change fees for “Go” fares now depend on the timing of the change, ranging from $59 to $99. The charges start if changes are made 59 days before the flight. The good news is that if you cancel more than 60 days before your flight, there’s no charge.
While these fees are lower than Spirit’s pre-2024 structure of $69-$119, they signal a return to the airline’s reliance on ancillary revenue. Higher-tier fares, such as Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big, still include free changes and cancellations, maintaining flexibility for travelers willing to pay more upfront.
Spirit Airlines has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with increased labor costs, rising competition, and a failed merger attempt with JetBlue (B6). By mid-2024, the airline was under significant financial strain, with revenue per passenger ($116 to $105) and yield per mile (11.23 to 10.66 cents) both declining.
Eliminating change fees failed to deliver the financial boost Spirit had anticipated. The reinstated change fees bring Spirit’s “Go” fares closer to competitors’ lowest-tier options. However, passengers seeking flexibility will need to pay for higher-tier fares (Go Savvy, Go Comfy, Go Big) or face steep fees for last-minute changes.
For budget travelers booking Spirit’s cheapest fares, careful planning will now be essential to avoid costly changes.
As Spirit emerges from bankruptcy and continues to navigate a competitive landscape, passengers should anticipate further adjustments to fares and policies. Budget airlines, after all, don’t operate on goodwill alone. Travelers looking for fee-free flexibility may need to look elsewhere—or be prepared to pay more.
The Coven Franchise Expands, Bringing More Coworking Spaces To Marginalized Communities
'The Coven is not just another coworking space—it is a movement.'
BLACK ENTERPRISE covered The Coven franchise expansion in April 2023. In a little under two years, there are seven locations across the Midwest, offering community space to all, with a focus on helping women, transgender, and non-binary people become confident leaders.
Several new franchisees are in the pipeline. The goal: six new locations in 2025.
“Our expansion strategy remains focused on identifying underserved markets—places rich with talent and opportunity but lacking accessible, community-driven workspaces. By partnering with local entrepreneurs, real estate owners, and community builders, we’re creating coworking spaces that not only drive business success but also fuel economic development within these communities,” explains co-founder and CEO Alex West Steinman.
As with growth, naturally comes change.
The Coven has expanded its initial offerings to better serve members and generate additional revenue for franchisees.
“One key area of growth has been our team memberships, which allow companies to provide flexible workspace solutions for their employees. With more businesses and organizations embracing hybrid work models, there is a growing demand for shared spaces that allow teams to collaborate without the overhead of a traditional office.”
In addition, the brand has expanded event rental offerings, fulfilling the need for curated retreats, workshops, and networking events. These services not only create new revenue streams for franchisees but also deepen engagement in the communities The Coven serves. Best part? Guests are often so impressed by the space they become members.
Adding new services and revenue streams is important for continued expansion, particularly as the competition grows. However, West Steinman feels confident about how the brand differentiates itself in the coworking industry.
“The Coven is not just another coworking space—it is a movement. While other brands focus primarily on real estate and amenities, we’re building ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, collaboration, and career growth,” West Steinman said. “The Coven is at the forefront of the future of work. During the first Trump administration and the pandemic, people turned to The Coven for a space to gather, organize, and take action. We convened government leaders, activists, and businesses to ensure the community had the resources they needed to weather the storm and come out on the other side stronger together.”
West Steinman is firm in her belief that The Coven’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to cultivate a truly inclusive environment where all professionals can thrive.
Attracting the Right Owners
“Our franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds, including real estate, entrepreneurship, and community leadership,” West Steinman said. “Our franchisee profiles fall into a few categories: The Established Business Leader Looking to Pivot; The Real Estate Investor or Developer, and The Mission-Driven Entrepreneur.”
Franchise owners of The Coven do not need prior coworking experience, but West Steinman emphasizes the strong need for community building and a drive to grow a successful business. “These personas see The Coven as a smart investment, but they also recognize the responsibility of owning a space that fosters economic growth, business opportunity, and meaningful connection.”
While backgrounds and experience may vary, there are certain qualities that make for successful owners—a strong business mindset, a commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to build a thriving community.
“First and foremost, franchisees must be business-savvy—this means understanding how to grow revenue, manage costs, and scale a successful business. They don’t need prior experience in coworking, but they do need to be able to follow proven systems and strategies for running a profitable franchise. Second, they must be focused on execution. Finally, the best franchisees understand the power of relationships. The operation of the business is not a crock pot and requires either the owner’s or operator’s keen attention. This is a business built on connection, visibility, and local engagement. Franchisees should be proactive in building partnerships, attracting members, and positioning The Coven as a valuable resource in their market.”
A Safe Space Amid DEI Dismantling
With recent efforts to dismantle DEI programs in the corporate and government sectors, BLACK ENTERPRISE asked West Steinman how this is impacting The Coven from both a business model and community space.
“Now, more than ever, inclusive environments aren’t just nice to have; they’re a necessity. We’ve seen this before. Every time progress is made, there’s a pushback, an effort to revert to systems that exclude, that hoard resources, that tell us there’s no room for everyone at the table. But history has proven something else—when institutions turn their backs, we build our own.”
West Steinman is seeing nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and mission-driven businesses alike feel the ripple effects of DEI cuts. Many are losing funding, and they need affordable, accessible spaces where they can continue their work. The Coven is filling that gap, providing a stable home for those still fighting for progress.
“Corporations may be pulling back, but people still need places to gather, build, and grow. That’s why The Coven exists. We are not waiting for permission to create spaces where belonging, leadership, and economic power can thrive. The future of work is not a return to the past—it’s moving forward. The Coven is leading that charge, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Trump’s Funding Cuts Halt Rollout Of HIV Prevention Drug
A groundbreaking injectable that would curb the spread of HIV is at risk due to Donald Trump's funding cuts on foreign aid.
A groundbreaking injectable designed to curb the global spread of HIV is now at risk of being delayed due to President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.
Lenacapavir, an innovative twice-yearly injection that prevents HIV transmission, was recognized as the breakthrough medicine of 2024. However, Trump’s decision to freeze all foreign aid funding now jeopardizes its global distribution to millions in need, Wired reports.
Linda-Gail Bekker, 62, is a medical professor from the University of Cape Town who helped identify Lenacapavir. She attended the AIDS 2024 Conference held in Munich, Germany, last July and proudly presented the groundbreaking results of the PURPOSE 1 clinical trial she led. The study revealed that the Gilead Sciences-developed Lenacapavir could prevent sexual transmission of HIV with 100% efficacy by targeting the virus’s capsid protein, a crucial component for its replication.
Unlike existing daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which serve a similar purpose, Lenacapavir requires just two injections per year. While not a vaccine, it represents the next best option for HIV prevention. After the prestigious journal Science recognized Lenacapavir as 2024’s “Breakthrough of the Year,” Gilead committed to producing 10 million doses by 2026—enough to treat 2.5 million people—in preparation for anticipated regulatory approval later this year.
With over one million people contracting HIV each year, a partnership between The Global Fund and PEPFAR, the U.S. government’s global HIV/AIDS program, had pledged to acquire 2 million doses of Lenacapavir over three years. These doses were intended for countries with the highest HIV rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze all foreign aid funding has thrown this plan into disarray.
“There’s despondency and a sense of tragedy. Because just as we’ve had the breakthrough, we also see the taps turning off of resources,” Bekker said.
“We had a laid-out map where the product would be supplied via PEPFAR and The Global Fund while we wait for generics [cheaper off-label versions of lenacapavir] to come online, which will take 18 months to two years. And at this moment, that plan is falling through in front of our eyes.”
Many studies and research expected to be funded by U.S. resources are on hold, Bekker explains.
“It’s not just PEPFAR; we’re also worried about restrictions being placed on other sorts of research funding, such as the National Institutes of Health,” she says. “It’s just going to get harder to innovate and move progress forward.”
There is still hope that alternative donors could step up to support The Global Fund in securing Lenacapavir. Bekker is actively exploring new funding avenues for HIV prevention and research through European agencies and potential donor contributions from Scandinavia, Japan, and Australia. However, she fears that without the same level of support from the U.S., the unique opportunity Lenacapavir presents could be at risk of slipping away.
“It’s incredible that this has happened just as we’ve had the breakthrough,” Bekker said.
“I think this is going to set us back many years and ultimately cost a lot more in public health spending. Because ultimately, if we can bring this epidemic under control more quickly, it’s going to save the planet more money in the long run and save lives, too.”