South Africa has received 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection that clinical trials showed was nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV. The Department of Health confirmed the shipment arrived on 7 April.
South Africa is the first country in Africa to approve the drug for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The injection is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and designed for people weighing more than 35 kilograms who are at high risk of HIV infection.
Why it matters
South Africa has the world’s largest HIV epidemic, with an estimated 7.8 million people living with the virus. Daily oral PrEP has been available for years but adherence remains a challenge. A twice-yearly injection removes the burden of remembering a daily pill, which health officials say could significantly expand the reach of prevention programmes.
How the rollout works
The Department of Health plans a phased implementation targeting high-risk groups first. Priority populations include adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
According to UNAIDS, these groups account for a disproportionate share of new infections. Lenacapavir’s long-acting formulation means just two clinic visits per year are needed, compared with 365 daily doses of oral PrEP.
Diplomatic backdrop
The US Embassy in Pretoria described the arrival of Lenacapavir as an example of US-South Africa commercial diplomacy. The drug’s path to approval involved regulatory cooperation between the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration.
The official public rollout date has not yet been announced. The Department of Health said details will follow in the coming weeks.