Government strengthens HIV prevention with introduction of Lenacapavir
In a major step forward for South Africa’s HIV response, the government has received the first shipment of a new long-acting injectable prevention medicine.
The government welcomes the arrival of the first batch of the HIV prevention medicine, Lenacapavir, comprising 37 920 doses, marking a significant milestone in the country’s HIV response.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention medicine, not a vaccine, and marks a major scientific advance in HIV prevention in recent years.
Administered as an injection twice a year, the medicine provides up to six months of continuous protection against HIV, offering a convenient and effective prevention option.
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The introduction of Lenacapavir strengthens the government’s integrated, differentiated and people-centred HIV prevention strategy, especially for individuals who struggle with existing prevention methods.
The six-monthly injectable will expand prevention choices and improve adherence, especially among priority populations such as adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men, etc.
Government will announce the official launch in the coming weeks, including details of the phased implementation plan to ensure effective and equitable rollout.
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