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.
“This 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 boost the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the HIV response after 2030 in line with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2030,” the department said on Tuesday in a statement.
The official launch date is expected to be announced soon, along with a phased implementation plan.
“This six-monthly injectable arrived in the country last week on Thursday, and it is expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence, especially amongst the most vulnerable priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, men having sex with men, among others.
“Lenacapavir is a preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most exciting HIV prevention advances in years.
“The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is very excited about this development and will, in consultation with the President, announce the date for the launch to be led by the President,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
