Gauteng launches Lenacapavir at 133 facilities to strengthen HIV prevention efforts

The Gauteng Department of Health will officially begin the phased rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) on Monday, introducing the long-acting HIV prevention medication at 133 healthcare facilities across the province.

The initiative forms part of a national programme announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and led by the National Department of Health to expand HIV prevention options and advance efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

As one of South Africa's most populous provinces and a region with a significant HIV burden, Gauteng has been selected as a key implementation site for the first phase of the programme. The rollout will cover facilities in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand, focusing on individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) designed for HIV-negative individuals who face a substantial risk of contracting the virus.

Administered once every six months, it provides an alternative to daily oral HIV prevention medication and complements existing prevention measures such as HIV testing, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision, oral PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis.

The province has received enough stock to initiate treatment for 56,079 eligible individuals between June 2026 and March 2027. An initial allocation sufficient for 18,809 people has already been distributed to districts, allowing facilities to prepare ahead of the official launch. Additional supplies are expected to be delivered quarterly to maintain uninterrupted access to the programme.

To support implementation, the department has trained healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers and data capturers. Monitoring and reporting systems have also been established, while clinical guidelines have been distributed to ensure safe and effective service delivery.

The first phase of the rollout will prioritise adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who remain vulnerable to HIV infection.

The department will also undertake public awareness campaigns through healthcare facilities, community engagements, radio programmes, media outreach, peer educator initiatives and social media platforms to improve understanding of the new prevention option and encourage eligible individuals to access services.

Health officials have stressed that Lenacapavir is not a replacement for other HIV prevention methods but forms part of a comprehensive prevention package that includes HIV testing, condom use, sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment, male circumcision and treatment services for people living with HIV.

Members of the public who believe they may benefit from HIV prevention services are encouraged to visit participating healthcare facilities for information, HIV testing and eligibility screening.