South Africa to Launch Twice-Yearly HIV Injection

Why this is here: South Africa aims to screen 70% of women by age 35 and again by age 45 for cervical cancer using new DNA-based technologies.

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi announced the launch of Lenacapavir in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on June 5.

The new HIV drug requires injections only twice per year, providing six months of continuous protection. The department plans to deliver initial stocks to 360 health facilities in areas with high HIV rates.

Motsoaledi specified priority groups for the drug. These include adolescent girls and young women to age 24, pregnant people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, and people who inject drugs. South Africa reports increased life expectancy, rising to 66.9 years in 2025 from 54 years in 2010, linked to its HIV programs.

The Minister acknowledged the challenge of cervical cancer, now considered a growing health threat. Adapting WHO guidelines, South Africa will screen women for cervical cancer starting at age 25, ten years earlier than the standard recommendation, due to the country’s high HIV prevalence. Further work is needed to fully address the complexities of co-occurring infections.