Ramaphosa launches twice-yearly HIV injection in South Africa

Secunda – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, at a ceremony in Secunda, Mpumalanga, describing it as one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment.

The launch was attended by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, Gilead Sciences Chief Executive Daniel O’Day and Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands, among other international development partners including UNITAID, WHO, UNAIDS and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

Ramaphosa said the single injection, administered twice a year, had the potential to transform HIV prevention across the country by reducing barriers to adherence, expanding choice and empowering people to take control of their health.

The government aims to reach close to one million people with the drug by the end of 2027, and three million people over the next three years, through 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts.

A R1.3 billion investment will support the rollout, drawn from a partnership between the South African government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

Ramaphosa was careful to temper expectations around the new drug.

“Let us be clear. Lenacapavir is not a silver bullet. It is one more powerful tool in our arsenal. It complements HIV testing, oral PrEP, treatment as prevention, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision and behavioural interventions,” he said.

The President said success would still depend on education, ending stigma and collective responsibility, and called on healthcare workers, parents, traditional and religious leaders and young South Africans to remain engaged in the fight against HIV.

He also linked the rollout to broader ambitions around African pharmaceutical sovereignty, reiterating South Africa’s support for the African Union goal of producing 60 percent of the continent’s health products locally by 2040.