The Western Cape has launched Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection that expands options for people at risk of infection.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has commenced the phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention medicine that offers a new long-acting option for individuals at risk of contracting HIV.
The rollout marks an important milestone in the province’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and forms part of a comprehensive prevention strategy that includes HIV testing, treatment services, condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger described the introduction of Lenacapavir as one of the most significant advances in HIV prevention in recent years.
“The rollout of Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention, one of the most significant advances in the field in recent years, and gives us another opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention in our communities. It expands the choices available to people who may benefit from a long-acting prevention option and brings us one step closer to a future with fewer new infections,” said Wenger.
She added that preventing new infections remains a critical priority despite the significant progress made in HIV treatment over the past two decades.
“For more than two decades, South Africans have shown what is possible when communities, healthcare workers, researchers and government work together in the fight against HIV. While treatment has transformed millions of lives, preventing new infections remains one of our most important priorities.”
Lenacapavir is administered as an injection every six months and is designed to help prevent HIV infection before exposure occurs. It is not a vaccine but a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis that offers an alternative to taking a daily prevention pill.
The first phase of the rollout will be implemented at 22 healthcare facilities serving communities with the highest HIV burden in the province. Health officials said the phased approach will help ensure that available supplies reach those most likely to benefit while implementation systems are established and monitored.
Head of Department for Health and Wellness Dr Keith Cloete said the selected facilities are well positioned to support the programme.
“The Western Cape is implementing Lenacapavir in a responsible and targeted manner. The 22 facilities selected for the first phase serve communities with a high HIV burden and are well positioned to support the rollout. Clients will receive HIV testing, counselling and clinical assessment before starting the medicine, and ongoing follow-up will be an important part of the programme.”
He said the province would continue exploring opportunities to expand access as additional supplies become available.
Provincial Council on AIDS and TB Co-Chairperson Amelia Mfiki welcomed the introduction of the medication, saying it provides people with greater choice in managing their health.
“Different people require different prevention options. For some, a six-monthly injection may be easier to manage than taking a daily pill. What matters most is that people are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and have access to prevention choices that suit their lives.”
Mfiki said Lenacapavir represents another valuable tool in the fight against HIV and highlighted the importance of community partnerships in ensuring successful implementation.
The participating facilities include clinics and community health centres in Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Mfuleni, Nomzamo and several other high-burden communities across the province.
Residents interested in learning more about Lenacapavir are encouraged to speak to healthcare workers at participating facilities about eligibility requirements and available HIV prevention services.
