South Africa has obtained its first cargo of Lenacapavir, a brand new injectable HIV prevention drugs anticipated to increase safety choices for susceptible teams.
The Division of Well being confirmed that 37 920 doses of the drug arrived within the nation final week.
Lenacapavir is a six-monthly injectable designed to forestall HIV an infection. Officers say it presents a brand new choice for individuals who face limitations to current prevention strategies.
The Division stated the medication varieties a part of built-in and people-centred HIV prevention providers.
Well being Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the event.
New HIV prevention choice arrives
Lenacapavir is taken into account probably the most vital HIV prevention advances in recent times.
The injection is preventive drugs, not a vaccine, and is taken twice a yr.
It’s anticipated to enhance adherence amongst precedence teams, together with adolescent ladies and younger ladies, intercourse staff, and homosexual males.
Officers imagine the medication might assist scale back new infections.
The Division stated the arrival of Lenacapavir will strengthen efforts to finish AIDS as a public well being menace by 2030.
Rollout plans to observe
Authorities will quickly announce an official launch for the brand new prevention programme.
“The Division will within the subsequent few weeks announce the official launch of this game-changer the place the phased implementation plan will probably be outlined,” the division stated.
Motsoaledi is predicted to announce the launch date in session with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Authorities say the rollout will kind a part of South Africa’s broader HIV response aligned with the International AIDS Technique for 2026–2030.
