President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch South Africa’s rollout of a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, during a high-profile event scheduled for June 5, 2026, in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The initiative represents a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and reduce new infections.
According to the National Department of Health, the rollout of Lenacapavir is being positioned as a significant advancement in public health strategy, strengthening biomedical prevention tools available in South Africa’s HIV response. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS and aims to enhance prevention of new HIV infections.
Lenacapavir: A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention
The launch will see President Ramaphosa joined by key government and health sector leaders, including Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, provincial Health MECs, as well as representatives from civil society under the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), development partners, and donors including the Global Fund.
Key Benefits of Lenacapavir
Some of the key benefits of Lenacapavir include:
- Long-acting HIV prevention option, administered twice a year
- Significant reduction in new HIV infections
- Strengthened collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners in the fight to end HIV as a public health threat
Media accreditation for the event is open and must be completed online by June 2, 2026, at 2pm. The launch will take place at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda at 09h00 on June 5, 2026.
