South Africa Launches Revolutionary HIV Drug Lenacapavir in Mpumalanga on June 5
In a significant step forward in the fight against HIV, South Africa will officially launch Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, on June 5 in Mpumalanga. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi announced the launch during the Department of Health’s budget vote speech on Wednesday, calling it a “game-changer” in the country’s efforts to combat the virus.
Lenacapavir, administered via injection just twice a year, offers six months of continuous protection per dose. This innovation eliminates the need for daily pills or bi-monthly injections, simplifying treatment regimens for patients and improving adherence. The drug’s launch marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s HIV strategy, particularly for high-risk populations.
“We will begin distributing Lenacapavir stocks to depots and health facilities within the next two weeks, starting with 360 facilities in high-burden districts,” Motsoaledi said. The drug will initially target priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women aged 24 and under, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and injecting drug users.
A Turning Point in the Fight Against HIV
South Africa has long been at the forefront of the global HIV epidemic, with the largest HIV counseling, testing, and treatment program in the world. The introduction of Lenacapavir builds on the country’s recent successes in reducing HIV prevalence and improving public health outcomes.
Motsoaledi emphasized that South Africa is now in a position to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. “We dare say we can eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. All we have to do is work hard and work together as South Africans, motivated by a common destiny,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted the country’s remarkable progress in recent years. Life expectancy has risen to 66.9 years in 2025, up from a low of 54 years in 2010. Maternal mortality has dropped to 89 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, down from 240 in 2010. Additionally, under-five mortality has decreased to 27.7 per 1,000 live births in 2025, compared to 74.3 in 2010. Tuberculosis incidence has also fallen significantly, dropping to 4,217 per 100,000 population from 988 in 2015.
“We achieved all this by taming the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Imagine what we can achieve if we work hard together once more,” Motsoaledi said.
Addressing Cervical Cancer as the “New HIV Pandemic”
While celebrating progress in HIV prevention, Motsoaledi also sounded the alarm on cervical cancer, which he described as South Africa’s “new HIV pandemic.” Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country, after breast cancer.
The Minister outlined a modified version of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “90-70-90” strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. In South Africa, this approach involves vaccinating 90% of girls aged 9 to 15 against HPV, screening 70% of women aged 25 to 55 using advanced DNA-based technologies, and treating 90% of women diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer.
“Because of our unique position as the country with the highest HIV/AIDS burden, 65% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer are also HIV-positive,” Motsoaledi explained. This necessitated extending the screening age range to start earlier and end later than the WHO’s original guidelines.
A Hopeful Future
The launch of Lenacapavir represents a beacon of hope for millions of South Africans affected by HIV. By simplifying treatment regimens and targeting high-risk groups, the drug has the potential to significantly reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.
As South Africa continues to tackle both HIV and cervical cancer, Motsoaledi’s message remains clear: “We know what is at stake, and we have the tools to make a difference. Now is the time to act.”
— Reported by Nexio News
