Pretoria: The Department of Health has welcomed the arrival of the first batch of HIV prevention medicine, Lenacapavir, to the country. The initial consignment, comprising approximately 37,920 doses, was delivered to the country last week.

According to South African Government News Agency, this delivery is part of integrated, differentiated, and people-centred HIV prevention services, offering new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods. Lenacapavir will bolster the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It also aligns with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026-2030 to sustain the HIV response after 2030.

The official launch date is expected to be announced soon, along with a phased implementation plan. This six-monthly injectable, which arrived in the country last week on Thursday, is anticipated to expand HIV prevention choices and improve adherence, especially among the most vulnerable priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men having sex with men.

Lenacapavir is a preventive medicine, not a vaccine, and is considered one of the most significant HIV prevention advances in years. The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed enthusiasm about this development and will, in consultation with the President, announce the date for the launch to be led by the President.