SEDIBENG. – The Gauteng Department of Health recently announced that it has recorded significant progress in the implementation of the Lenacapavir (LEN) programme, exceeding the initial monthly target during the first month of the rollout.

The department said that since the commencement of the phased rollout on 08 June 2026, a total of 6 130 eligible clients has been initiated on Lenacapavir across Gauteng, representing 131% of the provincial monthly target of 4 672 initiations.

 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.

Treatment is offered at 133 clinics across the province.

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 said 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 initiations and Ekurhuleni with 1 435 initiations. Sedibeng District initiated 377 clients, while West Rand District recorded 121 initiations.

While Lenacapavir offers an important additional option for HIV prevention, it should not be viewed as a replacement for other prevention methods.

“The Department 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.

 The department commended healthcare workers, programme managers and facility teams across the province for ensuring that eligible clients can access this important intervention. Expanding access to comprehensive HIV prevention services, particularly among populations at increased risk of HIV infection remains a top priority of the department.

“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 members of 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.”