Health reports on progress in Lenacapavir HIV prevention programme
Pretoria: The Department of Health is pleased to report significant progress in the rollout of lenacapavir - a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medication as part of South Africa’s commitment to expanding HIV prevention choices.
Since the national launch by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on 5 June 2026, lenacapavir has been rolled out through 360 public health facilities across 24 districts in six provinces. More than 55 123 people had been initiated on lenacapavir as of 07 September 2026, reflecting strong demand for this long-acting HIV prevention option. Majority (or 71%) of the recipients are females, mostly the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Gauteng province has recorded the highest number of lenacapavir initiations with more than
26 357 people initiated, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11 941, North West with 4479, Western Cape with 4446, Mpumalanga with 4294 and Eastern Cape with 3606.
The Department continues to work closely with various stakeholders including the provincial health departments, healthcare workers and implementing partners to monitor uptake, commodity availability, quality of service delivery, client follow-up and safety. Lenacapavir is being offered within a comprehensive PrEP-choice programme alongside other available HIV prevention options.
Lenacapavir has been approved and registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) as safe and effective for preventing HIV infection, following a thorough review of preclinical, clinical, and manufacturing data. Individuals who experience serious or persistent adverse events after receiving the injection are encouraged to report these promptly to healthcare workers at their nearest health facility.
The Department remains committed to the safe, responsible and evidence-based implementation of lenacapavir and other medical products, supported by strengthened pharmacovigilance, clinical monitoring and rapid investigation of any serious adverse events.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 432 3792
Email: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Sello Lediga
Health Ministry Spokesperson
Cell: 082 353 9859
Email: Sello.Lediga@health.gov.za
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