NEWS & POLITICS
South Africa approves six-month HIV prevention injection, marking a breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS
South Africa’s health regulator, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), has approved a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that provides six months of protection against the virus.
Noluthando Buthelezi
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — October 27 (Running Africa) — The jab, containing the antiretroviral drug lenacapavir, marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS and sets the stage for a limited public rollout in 2026.
A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir, now officially registered with SAHPRA, is the first long-acting HIV prevention drug to offer half-year protection with a single shot. Experts hail it as a breakthrough in reducing infections in one of the world’s most affected nations.
“The registration of lenacapavir is a game-changer, given South Africa’s high HIV prevalence,” said Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, SAHPRA’s CEO. “This product is the most effective HIV prevention measure thus far.”
Progress and Persistent Challenges
An estimated 8 million South Africans live with HIV — a 12.7% national prevalence rate — according to the 2024 National HIV Survey. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage reached 80.9% in 2022, the country still bears the world’s largest HIV epidemic.
Rollout Plans and Affordability
The Department of Health plans an initial 10% rollout in public clinics by April 2026, focusing on high-risk groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
From 2027, two Indian manufacturers will supply lenacapavir at R700 per person annually, down from the R1,000 currently spent on daily prevention pills — a move experts say could make HIV prevention more affordable and accessible.
A Turning Point in Global HIV Response
The approval cements South Africa’s role as a global leader in HIV prevention, advancing efforts toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% receive treatment, and 95% achieve viral suppression.
