The Department of Health in KZN (DOH) announced the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) at 94 public clinics and Community Health Centers (CHCs) for phase 1, targeting high HIV-burden districts.

The injection is reportedly available free of charge and is not yet available for sale at private pharmacies.
With just two doses a year, the Department highlighted that the drug offers long-lasting protection.

There are steps to be followed to access the medication, DOH said, “Get tested for HIV before starting LEN. Speak to a healthcare worker at a participating clinic, and protect yourselves and your future.”

Also read: UKZN launches new HIV research clinic

“Although oral PrEP is now available in approximately 97% of public primary healthcare facilities, and nearly 1.9 million PrEP initiations have been recorded by 2025, persistence on daily oral regimens remains sub-optimal. This highlights the urgent need to diversify HIV prevention choices and offer long-acting alternatives that better align with the lived realities of those most at risk,” said KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.

“To receive the injection, you must be HIV-negative, meet the criteria for high-risk HIV exposure, and take an oral loading dose (two pills) at your first appointment in addition to the injection to ensure immediate protection.”

Also read: UKZN professor leads groundbreaking HIV cure trial

Healthcare facilities enrolling in phase 1 in eThekwini Municipality
Adams Mission Clinic, Addington Gateway Clinic, Amaoti Clinic, Beatrice Street Clinic, Cato Manor CHC, Chesterville Clinic, Clairwood Gateway Clinic, Clare Estate Clinic, Clermont Clinic, Ekuphileni (Umlazi L) Clinic, Folweni Clinic, Fredville Clinic, Goodwins Clinic, Halley Stott Clinic, Hlengisizwe CHC, Inanda C CHC, Inanda Seminary Clinic, Isipingo Clinic, KwaDabeka CHC, KwaMakhutha Clinic, KwaMashu Poly CHC, KwaNdengezi Clinic, Lamontville Clinic, Lancers Road Clinic, Lindelani Clinic, Mpola Clinic, Mpumalanga Clinic, Msunduzi Bridge Clinic, Nsimbini Clinic, Ntuzuma Clinic, Overport Clinic, Peaceville Clinic, Phoenix CHC, Pinetown Clinic, Prince Mshiyeni Gateway Clinic, Qadi Clinic, Redhill Clinic, Savannah Park Clinic, Sivananda Clinic, Tongaat CHC, Tshelimnyama Clinic, Umbumbulu Clinic, Umlazi (D, K, N, U21, H), Verulam Clinic, and Zwelibomvu Clinic.

Other districts include Umgungundlovu District Municipality, Amajuba District Municipality, King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Ugu Municipality, Umkhanyakude District Municipality, and Zululand District Municipality.

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