The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has launched a phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medication that offers renewed hope in the fight against HIV and expands prevention options for people at risk of infection.

The rollout forms part of a broader HIV prevention approach that includes testing, treatment services, condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

A major scientific breakthrough

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger described the introduction of Lenacapavir as one of the most significant advances in HIV prevention in recent years.

“The rollout of Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention and gives us another opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention in our communities. It expands the choices available to people who may benefit from a long-acting prevention option and brings us one step closer to a future with fewer new infections,” said Wenger.

She added that for more than two decades, South Africans had demonstrated what is possible when communities, healthcare workers, researchers and government work together in the fight against HIV.

“While treatment has transformed millions of lives, preventing new infections remains one of our most important priorities,” she said.

What is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is a form of PrEP administered as an injection every six months. It is not a vaccine but a long-acting prevention medicine that offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP for eligible individuals.

The first phase of the rollout will take place at 22 healthcare facilities serving communities with the highest HIV burden in the province.

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Head of Department for Health and Wellness Dr Keith Cloete said the phased approach would allow the department to direct available supply where it can have the greatest impact.

“The Western Cape is implementing Lenacapavir in a responsible and targeted manner. The 22 facilities selected for the first phase serve communities with a high HIV burden and are well positioned to support the rollout. Clients will receive HIV testing, counselling, and clinical assessment before starting the medicine, and ongoing follow-up will be an important part of the programme,” said Cloete.

He added that as additional supply becomes available, the department will continue to assess opportunities to expand access to more communities, with the priority being that the rollout is implemented safely, effectively, and in a manner that maximises its impact.

Empowering communities to make informed choices

Provincial council on AIDS and TB co-chairperson Amelia Mfiki welcomed the introduction of Lenacapavir as both a turning point and a remarkable milestone in advancing HIV prevention in the Western Cape.

“Different people require different prevention options. For some, a six-monthly injection may be easier to manage than taking a daily pill. What matters most is that people are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and have access to prevention choices that suit their lives,” said Mfiki.

She noted that Lenacapavir is another valuable tool in the collective effort to reduce new HIV infections and emphasised that continued support for community-based organisations remains essential to ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of HIV programmes on the ground.

Mfiki also called on sponsors and funders to strengthen their investment in clinical research and to deepen their commitment to demand creation, noting that sustained financing and community-centred engagement are critical to translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.

Participating facilities

The following 22 facilities are participating in the first phase of the rollout:

• Khayelitsha (Site B) CHC
• Phumlani Clinic
• Weltevreden Valley Clinic
• Vuyani Clinic
• Delft South Clinic
• Matthew Goniwe CDC
• Gugulethu Clinic
• Nolungile CDC
• Symphony Way CDC
• Town 2 CDC
• Delft CHC
• Gugulethu CHC
• Mzamomhle Clinic
• Dr Abdurahman CDC
• Mfuleni CDC
• Luvuyo CDC
• Michael Mapongwana CDC
• Nyanga CDC
• Kuyasa CDC
• Ikhwezi CDC
• Dr Ivan Toms CDC
• Nomzamo CDC

Residents are encouraged to speak to healthcare workers at participating facilities for more information about eligibility and available HIV prevention services.