South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.
The launch in Secunda, Mpumalanga Province, marks a major milestone in South Africa's efforts to curb new infections and ultimately eliminate HIV as a public health threat.
Ramaphosa welcomed the breakthrough, contrasting it with the reality 26 years ago when millions of people diagnosed with the disease were effectively handed a death sentence.
"To us, this incredible, incredible treatment is not just a medicine or a drug. To us, it represents a major turning point in South Africa's national story. It represents one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the advent of antiretroviral treatment," Ramaphosa said when addressing the launch ceremony.
Lenacapavir, a new, long-acting antiretroviral drug, offers greater discretion, convenience, and likely better adherence for users, especially for people who struggle with taking a pill every day or making frequent clinic visits.
The six-monthly HIV injectable is expected to expand HIV prevention choices and improve adherence, particularly among the most vulnerable priority groups.
"It helped me because now I'm still HIV negative. I think it's a better injection because it only comes twice a year instead of coming every two months or eating the pill every day," said Olewam Plaatjie, a Lenacapavir clinical trial participant.
"I think, myself, it's a game-changer. This will actually improve, especially for the young individuals, our young girls, the young boys, and the general population will benefit from this. So, I think as we fight HIV towards 2030 to eradicate it, we are on the right track," said Mpumelelo Sibanda, who works as a nurse.
According to Ramaphosa, the country's objective is to scale up prevention rapidly over the next three years, working alongside strategic domestic and international partners.
In this initial phase, the long-acting injections will be distributed to over 360 public health facilities across high-burden districts, targeting nearly 450,000 individuals from high-risk populations.
More than 80 million U.S. dollars are being invested in the first phase of the nationwide rollout. South Africa has struck a deal with American biopharmaceutical company Gilead to produce the injection locally, rather than depend on imports.
South Africa currently carries the world's largest HIV burden, with nearly 8 million people living with the virus and more than 6 million receiving antiretroviral treatment.
S Africa rolls out game-changing HIV prevention shot
S Africa rolls out game-changing HIV prevention shot
