THE groundbreaking new Lenacapavir injection, aimed at preventing HIV infection, has made its way to Durban South, with the Clairwood Clinic now offering the jab.

The new shot aims to replace the daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pill, by only requiring two doses a year. 

Also read: A shot of hope for HIV prevention

A new dawn in HIV prevention

President Cyril Ramaphosa had officially launched the introduction of Lenacapavir in Secunda on June 5. Ramaphosa said that the long-acting injection is a turning point for the country. 

“It represents one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the advent of antiretroviral treatment. It represents the triumph of science over despair. It represents the power of innovation to save lives. And above all, it represents hope. Hope for young women who continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Hope for families and communities that have lived through decades of loss. Hope for a generation that may one day know HIV not as a threat, but as a chapter in history,” said Ramaphosa. 

Local clinic storing Lenacapavir

This new option arrived as SA continued to face one of the world’s highest HIV burdens. The idea was that this six-monthly injection could greatly improve prevention efforts by giving people long-lasting protection with just two visits to a clinic each year. For those living in Durban South, the Clairwood Clinic was one of the first facilities chosen for the initial rollout in Durban. 

Also read: UKZN launches new HIV research clinic

Lenacapavir works as a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis, targeting the HIV-1 capsid. Unlike the conventional oral PrEP that requires daily pills, this injection provides six months of protection per dose. This design aims to address some common challenges people faced, like growing tired of taking pills every day, dealing with stigma, or simply forgetting to take the pill.

Goals of Lenacapavir

The initial phase of the rollout plans to make the medication available at 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 districts that had high rates of HIV. The government aims to reach almost one million people by the end of 2027 and three million people over the next three years. This programme was being supported through a collaboration between the government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, who together were putting R1.3b towards getting the rollout off the ground.

Not a vaccine

Health authorities were careful to emphasise that Lenacapavir was not a vaccine. They stressed it should be used alongside other existing prevention methods like condoms, regular HIV testing and other available PrEP options. Ramaphosa said that while the injectable option was a significant step forward, ending HIV infections would still require ongoing education, personal responsibility, and a continued fight against the stigma surrounding the virus.

Process to receive it 

The KZN Department of Health took to Facebook to explain that to receive the injection you simply have to follow the procedure:

• First you do an HIV test
• If you test negative, you receive the injection. 
• On the first day you take one pill and on the second day you take a different one, and then you are done.

Residents of Durban South looking for more details about this new HIV prevention option can visit the Clairwood Clinic on 59 Sir Kurma Reddi Road. 

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