Secunda: South Africa's health sector marked a pivotal moment as President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi officially launched the Lenacapavir injectable at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium today. The initiative is aimed at reinforcing the country's ongoing efforts to combat HIV and AIDS.
According to South African Government News Agency, the introduction of Lenacapavir, a bi-annual HIV prevention injectable, is seen as a fulfillment of a commitment made by President Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address in February. During the address, he announced a comprehensive rollout of the drug, which has shown significant effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.
In an advisory released prior to the event, the Presidency highlighted that the introduction of this groundbreaking drug signifies a major advancement in South Africa's fight against HIV/AIDS. The rollout is the result of a collaborative effort involving government entities, civil society, private sectors, and development partners, emphasizing a shared commitment to eradicating HIV as a public health issue in the country.
The launch coincides closely with the anniversary of the passing of HIV/AIDS activist Nkosi Johnson, underscoring the nation's longstanding battle against the epidemic. South Africa, which initiated the world's largest HIV counseling, testing, and treatment campaign in 2010, continues to make strides in its healthcare objectives. Notably, the Department of Health has reported an increase in life expectancy and a reduction in maternal mortality rates since the campaign's inception.
According to Statistics South Africa's 2025 Mid-Year Population Estimates, around 8.15 million individuals in the country are living with HIV, representing approximately 12.9% of the population. Despite these figures, increased access to treatment and care has led to a reduction in HIV/AIDS-related deaths.
Minister Motsoaledi, in a recent Budget Vote, confirmed that stocks of Lenacapavir have been distributed to various health facilities, with an initial focus on 360 high-burden districts. The government has prioritized certain groups in the distribution, including young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and other vulnerable populations.
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) welcomed the drug's arrival, recognizing its potential to mark a new era in HIV prevention. The injectable offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, providing discretion and convenience, which could lead to better adherence among users.
This launch precedes the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Meeting on AIDS scheduled for later this month, where progress since the last meeting will be reviewed, and a new UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS will be considered.
UNAIDS South Africa expressed excitement about the launch, highlighting the collaborative efforts of President Ramaphosa, the Department of Health, SANAC, and other stakeholders.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority had already set a precedent by becoming the first African regulatory authority to approve Lenacapavir. The World Health Organisation supports the use of the injectable as an additional HIV prevention method, particularly for high-risk women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In addition to the Lenacapavir launch, government efforts to combat HIV/AIDS include the Close the Gap campaign, initiated in partnership with WHO and UNAIDS. The campaign targets high-burden districts and underscores the need for a unified national effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. Minister Motsoaledi expressed confidence in the country's ability to achieve this goal through collective action and dedication.