Johannesburg – South Africa has received its first shipment of the new HIV prevention medicine Lenacapavir, with 37,920 doses arriving in the country last Thursday, the Department of Health announced on Tuesday.
The six monthly injectable is being introduced as part of South Africa’s integrated and people centred HIV prevention strategy aimed at cutting new infections and sustaining the national response in line with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026 to 2030.
According to the Department, the medicine forms part of broader differentiated prevention services designed to reach those who struggle to access or consistently use existing options. 
“This is part of integrated, differentiated and people centred HIV prevention services which offer new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods,” the Department said.
Health authorities say Lenacapavir is preventive medicine and not a vaccine. It is regarded as one of the most promising developments in HIV prevention in recent years.
The introduction of the injectable is expected to widen prevention choices and improve adherence, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls and young women, sex workers and men who have sex with men.
The Department confirmed that the consignment arrived in the country last week Thursday. An official launch is scheduled for the coming weeks, where details of the phased implementation plan will be made public.
South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, welcomed the development and indicated that the President will lead the official launch.
“This six monthly injectable has arrived in the country last week Thursday and is expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence especially amongst the most vulnerable priority groups,” the Department said.
