West Rand clinics to offer HIV prevention injection
The Gauteng Department of Health has begun rolling out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, at selected clinics across the West Rand and the province.
The Gauteng Department of Health has started rolling out the HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir alongside a nationwide awareness campaign targeting high-risk populations.
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According to departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona, the preventive medication is administered through two injections a year. The rollout began on June 8.
The rollout forms part of a nationwide initiative, which aims to expand the HIV prevention options and accelerates progress to ending Aids as a public threat by 2030.
“As the country’s most populous province, it carries a significant HIV burden, where the province is a key starting point to start the programme,” he explained.
The medication will be introduced at several health facilities across the province, including the West Rand. Mabona said the programme targets populations at a higher risk of HIV infection.
Facilities in the West Rand that will distribute Lenacapavir are:
• Fanyana Nhlapo Clinic, corner of Mmusong and Kagiso avenues, Kagiso
• Odirileng Maponya Clinic, 2998 Sebenziza and Kagiso Avenue, Kagiso Extension 2
• Rietvallei 2 and 3 Clinic, corner of 8th and 1st avenues, Rietvallei
“There is enough stock to give around 56 000 doses before the end of March next year. We will also receive additional stock quarterly to ensure we continue with the programme and that access to services will not be interrupted,” he said.
Mabona added that healthcare workers have been trained and data-monitoring systems have been established in preparation for the rollout.
The programme will be introduced in phases, with the first phase prioritising adolescents and key populations, including sex workers and drug users.
The introduction of this medication is important to people who struggle with daily prevention medication. Through this rollout, we are expanding prevention choices available at public health facilities.”
He concluded that the rollout will empower more people to take greater control of their health. He also encouraged communities to seek information from healthcare workers and trusted sources, adding that Lenacapavir does not replace other prevention methods.
