Pretoria – South Africa has taken delivery of its first consignment of the new HIV prevention medicine Lenacapavir, with 37,920 doses arriving in the country last Thursday, the Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday.
The six monthly injectable forms part of the country’s integrated and people centred HIV prevention strategy aimed at reducing new infections and sustaining the national response in line with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026 to 2030.
“This is part of integrated, differentiated and people centred HIV prevention services which offer new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods,” the Department said.
Lenacapavir is described as preventive medicine and not a vaccine. Health authorities say it is regarded as one of the most promising advances in HIV prevention in recent years.
The Department stated that the introduction of the injectable is expected to widen prevention options and improve adherence, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls and young women, sex workers and men who have sex with men.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the development, indicating that the President will lead the official launch in the coming weeks.
“This six monthly injectable has arrived in the country last week Thursday and is expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence especially amongst the most vulnerable priority groups,” the Department said.
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