South Africa has officially launched, on June 5, 2026, Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention treatment hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the epidemic. Requiring only two injections per year and demonstrating near-perfect efficacy in clinical trials, the drug offers new hope in a country where nearly eight million people are living with HIV.
A healthcare worker administers one of the first Lenacapavir injections during South Africa’s national rollout of the twice-yearly HIV prevention treatment in Embalenhle.
South Africa marked a significant milestone in its battle against HIV on June 5 with the official rollout of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary preventive treatment that could transform HIV prevention efforts across the country.
The launch took place in Embalenhle, a township near Secunda, about two hours from Johannesburg, where 21-year-old Jein became one of the first people in the country to
receive the injection.
The occasion attracted national attention. South African Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi attended the event, accompanied by numerous journalists and television crews. For health authorities, the moment represented more than a routine medical intervention.
After receiving the injection, Jein expressed relief and optimism. “I was nervous earlier, but I’m really happy. This is going to help a lot of people,” she said.
Lenacapavir has been described as revolutionary because it requires only one injection every six months, offering a more convenient alternative to daily preventive medication. Clinical studies have shown that the treatment provides protection levels approaching 100 percent when administered correctly.
The introduction of the drug is particularly significant in South Africa, which bears one of the world’s heaviest HIV burdens. Approximately eight million South Africans are living with the virus, making the country a critical battleground in global HIV prevention efforts.
At the Embalenhle clinic, healthcare workers welcomed the launch with enthusiasm. For many nurses, the introduction of Lenacapavir represents a new opportunity to reduce infections and improve adherence to prevention strategies..
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the arrival of Lenacapavir as a sign of hope for the nation. The government has set an ambitious target of making the treatment available to nearly one million South Africans by the end of 2027.
However, challenges remain. Although the government heavily promoted the launch, fewer than 40,000 doses are currently available and have been distributed across 360 clinics nationwide.
Health advocates warn that significantly larger supplies will be needed to meet the country’s prevention goals. According to Bellinda Thibela of the advocacy organization Health GAP, discussions are underway with Gilead Sciences regarding a potential production license for South Africa. Until then, campaigners argue that securing additional doses should remain a national priority.
For a country that continues to face one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics, the successful expansion of Lenacapavir could mark the beginning of a new era in HIV prevention.
Ornéla ZANGA/RFI
