Lenacapavir rollout expected from May
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the planned introduction of the Lenacapavir injection as a potentially transformative step in South Africa's ongoing battle against HIV. Speaking on Thursday at an Extended Plenary of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Mashatile confirmed the country is preparing to begin administering the antiviral medication within weeks.
The twice-yearly injection is designed to lower the risk of contracting HIV among adults and adolescents who are HIV negative, weigh at least 35 kilograms, and face a heightened risk of infection. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) granted registration for the product in October last year.
"Our country now stands poised to start with the rollout of Lenacapavir around May this year."
The Deputy President emphasised that while notable strides have been made in broadening access to treatment and prevention services for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), significant obstacles persist. He singled out difficulties with keeping patients on treatment, reaching young people and key populations with prevention programmes, and the continued heavy toll of tuberculosis.
Call for united front against HIV and TB
Mashatile issued a passionate appeal for all sectors of society to intensify their collaborative efforts, urging stakeholders to confront stigma and inequality head-on while mobilising every available resource in the fight against the twin epidemics.
"Ending TB and HIV is a moral duty to restore dignity, protect families, and secure the future of our nation. I call on all of us to strengthen collaboration, to break down barriers of stigma and inequality, and to mobilise every resource at our disposal."
He further stressed the importance of accelerating progress towards the ambitious 95-95-95 targets. These internationally recognised benchmarks require that 95% of all people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
"Together, we can accelerate progress towards the 95-95-95 targets, towards ending TB, and towards building a healthier, more just South Africa."
The anticipated rollout of Lenacapavir represents a significant addition to the country's prevention toolkit, offering a long-acting alternative that requires only two doses per year. Health authorities are hopeful the injectable format will improve adherence compared to daily oral medication, particularly among populations most vulnerable to new infections.
South Africa carries one of the world's highest HIV burdens, making the Lenacapavir rollout from May a significant development for millions at risk of infection. The twice-yearly injection could ease adherence challenges that have long undermined daily oral prevention efforts, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups. For the healthcare system and economy, improved prevention may reduce long-term treatment costs, though reaching key populations and overcoming stigma remain critical hurdles that will shape the programme's success.
