From March 2026, individuals at excessive threat of contracting HIV will be capable of go to their native clinic each six months for an HIV-prevention jab. The remedy combines a Lenacapavir injection with a brief course of 4 tablets taken over two days.
The Division of Well being has hailed this breakthrough drug as a “game-changer”, although the preliminary provide will probably be restricted. Excessive-risk key populations recognized by way of knowledge patterns – comparable to younger girls aged 15 to 24, intercourse employees, and gay males – will obtain it first.
Over the previous two years the Division has labored with numerous governments, help businesses, funding foundations and the WHO to chop the drug’s price and broaden entry. A breakthrough earlier this yr secured a generic licence so a number of producers can produce it. This week Lenacapavir joined the nationwide Important Medicines Listing, opening the way in which without spending a dime distribution at clinics throughout the nation.
Restricted quantity for preliminary roll-out
“We obtained a restricted amount for the preliminary roll-out,” mentioned Division of Well being spokesman Foster Mohale in a phone interview.
“We’re now growing a notifications marketing campaign – just like the COVID-vaccine roll-out – utilizing TV, radio, social media and word-of-mouth to announce the programme schedule and alert key populations to use.”
Typical prevention efforts have lower HIV infections by 40% up to now, but UNAIDS recorded 1.3 million new infections in 2024. This long-acting injectable guarantees to shift the panorama. By 2027, an nearly 100% efficient HIV-prevention instrument needs to be each reasonably priced and extensively accessible. The WHO goals to succeed in 1.5 billion individuals by 2030.
‘Not a substitute’ for present HIV prevention strategies
“This new vaccine plugs vital gaps in present HIV-protection strategies,” Mohale mentioned. “It helps individuals who struggled with each day tablets or confronted stigma when visiting clinics. However we should emphasise that it doesn’t exchange present prevention strategies. Individuals who obtain the vaccine can not deal with it as a licence to be reckless.”
