By Zuko Komisa
- South Africa’s Department of Health reports major progress with over 55 000 individuals initiated on the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir.
- The long-acting PrEP medication is now accessible across 360 public health facilities in six provinces, with women comprising 71% of recipients.
- Gauteng leads national adoption figures, supported by rigorous safety monitoring and a choice-based rollout alongside existing preventative treatments.
South Africa’s Department of Health (DoH) has announced significant strides in expanding access to Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention treatment.
Launched in June by President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the long-acting option is now operational across 360 public health facilities in 24 districts across six provinces.
Uptake has grown rapidly, with 55,123 individuals initiated on the drug by 7 September 2026. Female patients account for 71% of recipients, with high uptake among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Gauteng leads regional distribution with 26,357 initiations, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (11,941), North West (4,479), Western Cape (4,446), Mpumalanga (4,294), and Eastern Cape (3,606).
The rollout is integrated into a broader PrEP-choice framework alongside established preventative therapies, supported by provincial health authorities, healthcare workers, and partner organisations monitoring commodity supplies and service quality.
Addressing regulatory oversight and patient safety, the DoH affirmed in an official press statement:
“The department remains committed to the safe, responsible and evidence-based implementation of Lenacapavir and other medical products, supported by strengthened pharmacovigilance, clinical monitoring and rapid investigation of any serious adverse events.”
READ NEXT:
