SECUNDA, Mpumalanga – South Africa has officially launched Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug to prevent HIV, in a major step forward in the fight against the epidemic.
President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the rollout on June 5, 2026, at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, calling it a “game-changer” for HIV prevention.
Unlike daily pills, Lenacapavir requires just one injection every six months. Clinical trials have shown the drug to be up to 100% effective in preventing HIV infection.
The initial rollout targets 360 public health facilities across 24 high-burden districts in six provinces. Priority will be given to adolescent girls and young women, as well as key populations including sex workers and men who have sex with men.
The launch is backed by a R1.3 billion partnership involving the government, the Global Fund, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. The Global Fund has donated 900,000 doses.
While branded versions remain expensive, generic alternatives are expected by 2027, potentially costing as little as $40 per person per year.
Officials cautioned that the injection is not a “silver bullet” and must be used alongside condoms and education. Funding cuts to US aid programs (PEPFAR) also pose challenges to the rollout.
The government aims to reach nearly one million people by the end of 2027.