South Africa launches long-acting HIV injection Lenacapavir

South Africa has officially launched a new, long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, marking a significant development in the nation's public health strategy. President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the rollout event for Lenacapavir at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Friday. The treatment, administered just twice a year, is designed to overcome adherence challenges associated with daily prevention pills.

The president described the launch as a turning point and a triumph of science, framing it as a step toward honoring the vision of an HIV-free generation. Health officials emphasized that the injection is particularly aimed at populations with the highest risk of new infections, including adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, sex workers, transgender people, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. Initial distribution will target 360 public health facilities across 24 high-burden districts.

A substantial collaborative funding initiative supports the rollout. The Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation have committed a combined 69 million dollars to scale up access. Health Minister Dr....