Gauteng smashes targets for long-acting HIV injection

The Gauteng Department of Health has exceeded its first-month target for the roll-out of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking, long-acting HIV prevention medication, initiating more than 6 000 eligible clients since the phased implementation began last month, reports Soweto Urban.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said 6 130 eligible clients had received the injection across Gauteng, achieving 131% of the provincial monthly target of 4 672 initiations.

Mabona said 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 medication offers HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk of infection an additional prevention option that complements existing interventions.

The treatment is currently available at 133 clinics across the province, all of which have sufficient stock.

According to Mabona, Tshwane recorded the highest number of initiations with 2 216 clients, followed by Johannesburg (1 981), Ekurhuleni (1 435), Sedibeng (377) and the West Rand (121).

He said the department continues to maintain adequate stock levels, with more than 7 400 injection packs and over 7 500 oral tablet packs available at reporting facilities. A second consignment of 9 830 Lenacapavir packs was delivered to the Medical Supplies Depot on June 26 to support the programme’s continued expansion and ensure uninterrupted access.

Mabona commended healthcare workers, programme managers and facility teams across Gauteng for ensuring eligible clients could access the intervention. However, he reminded the public that while Lenacapavir is an important addition to HIV prevention services, it does not replace other prevention methods.

The medication does not protect against sexually transmitted infections other than HIV or prevent unintended pregnancies.

Mabona urged people using Lenacapavir to continue practising safer sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, undergoing regular STI screening and accessing sexual and reproductive health services at public healthcare facilities.

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