Health Department welcomes the arrival of new HIV prevention medicine in South Africa

South Africa officially introduced Lenacapavir, a ground-breaking twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medicine, on June 5, 2026, during a launch event at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the rollout, marking a significant advancement in the country’s HIV response. The South African Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved Lenacapavir on October 27, 2025, and the first 37,920 doses, imported from Dublin, Ireland, arrived in April 2026. The medication, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, underwent quality testing in Cork, Ireland. The Department of Health aims to distribute Lenacapavir through 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts, targeting nearly one million people by the end of 2027. This aligns with South Africa’s goal to reduce new HIV infections and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, in line with the UNAIDS-led Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2030. Foster Mogale, a Department of Health spokesperson, noted that Lenacapavir addresses barriers to existing HIV prevention methods, such as adherence issues with daily PrEP pills or condom use. Residents in Pretoria can access the new injection at designated clinics, including Atteridgeville, Saulsville, and Stanza Bopape facilities, among others. The medicine offers an alternative for those who struggle with consistent PrEP use or condom reliance, potentially improving HIV prevention outcomes. However, concerns have been raised, such as Leroy Baloyi’s worry that reduced HIV fear might lead to an increase in other sexually transmitted infections. Lenacapavir’s introduction is part of an integrated, differentiated HIV prevention strategy, providing new hope for vulnerable populations. The government emphasizes that this intervention complements existing methods like condoms, PrEP, and regular HIV testing to create a comprehensive approach to combating HIV.