While the official launch date is yet to be confirmed, South Africa is gearing up to roll out a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that could significantly strengthen the country’s response to the epidemic.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to announce the launch of Lenacapavir in the near future. The long-acting antiretroviral drug, administered just twice a year, is already being hailed as a potential game changer in HIV prevention.
The first batch of 37 920 doses arrived in the country in early April, marking a major step forward in expanding prevention options for South Africans.
Lenacapavir, an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), provides up to six months of protection per injection. This offers a practical alternative to daily oral PrEP or more frequent injections, which many users struggle to maintain.
Twice-yearly injection offers new convenience
Health authorities believe the six-month dosing schedule could address key challenges such as stigma, pill fatigue and limited access to healthcare facilities. The treatment also allows for greater privacy and convenience, which may improve adherence among users.
The Department of Health has emphasised that Lenacapavir is a preventive medicine and not a vaccine, describing it as one of the most significant advances in HIV prevention in recent years.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the injectable should be offered as an additional prevention option. The organisation has also indicated that the medication is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding for HIV-negative women at high risk of infection.
Government has identified key groups for the initial rollout, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. These groups remain among the most vulnerable to new infections.
In previous remarks, Motsoaledi stressed the importance of expanding prevention strategies to meet global targets set by the UNAIDS, particularly the goal of ensuring that 95% of people at risk have access to prevention services.
Health officials have acknowledged that condom use remains inconsistent, while daily PrEP has proven difficult for many due to lifestyle challenges and social stigma.
The injectable is expected to form part of a broader, people-centred HIV prevention approach aimed at making protection more accessible and easier to maintain.
Strengthening South Africa’s HIV prevention strategy
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority registered Lenacapavir in October 2025, confirming its use for HIV-negative adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg who are at risk of infection. The treatment begins with an initial subcutaneous injection, supported by tablets taken on the first two days.
Clinical trials, including the PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 studies, demonstrated high levels of effectiveness. One study among women showed 100% efficacy during the trial period, while another reported approximately 96% efficacy among men who have sex with men and transgender women.
South Africa’s rollout will be data-driven, with Phase 1 targeting 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces. Around 360 public clinics are expected to participate in the initial implementation.
Priority will be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, and other high-risk populations to maximise the impact of the programme.
Although the launch date remains unclear, the introduction of Lenacapavir is widely seen as a crucial addition to South Africa’s HIV prevention toolkit.
