The Gauteng Department of Health has recorded significant progress in implementing the Lenacapavir (LEN) programme, exceeding the initial monthly target in the first month of the rollout.

According to the department, since the commencement of the phased rollout on June 8, a total of 6 130 eligible clients have been initiated on Lenacapavir across Gauteng, representing 131% of the provincial monthly target of 4 672 initiations.

The department stated that Lenacapavir forms part of South Africa’s efforts to expand HIV prevention options and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The department said that the medicine provides eligible HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk of HIV acquisition with an additional prevention option and complements existing HIV prevention interventions.

Currently, the treatment is offered at 133 clinics across the province, all of which have received sufficient Lenacapavir stock to support service delivery.

The department shared that it has noted strong early uptake of Lenacapavir services across all five health districts in the province.

Tshwane District recorded the highest number of initiations, with 2 216 clients, followed by Johannesburg with 1 981 and Ekurhuleni with 1 435. Sedibeng District initiated 377 clients, while West Rand District recorded 121 initiations.

The department said it continues to maintain adequate stock levels to support ongoing implementation.

“Provincial stock monitoring indicates that more than 7 400 injection packs and over 7 500 oral tablet packs remain available at reporting facilities.

“In addition, a second consignment of 9 830 Lenacapavir packs was received at the Medical Supplies Depot on June 26 to support continued programme expansion and ensure uninterrupted access to the medicine across the province,” explained the health department.

The department has commended the healthcare workers, programme managers and facility teams across the province for ensuring that eligible clients can access this important intervention.

The department said that expanding access to comprehensive HIV prevention services, particularly among populations at increased risk of HIV infection, remains a top priority of the department.

The health department explained that while Lenacapavir offers an important additional option for HIV prevention, it should not be viewed as a replacement for other prevention methods.

The department reminds the public that Lenacapavir does not protect against sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, nor does it prevent unintended pregnancies.

“Individuals using Lenacapavir are therefore encouraged to continue practising safer sex, including the consistent and correct use of condoms, regular STI screening, and continued access to sexual and reproductive health services available at public healthcare facilities,” concluded the department.