South Africa to Launch HIV Prevention Injection

Why this is here: Modeling studies suggest between 1- and 2-million people per year in South Africa need to receive the LEN injection to meaningfully reduce new HIV infections.

South Africa’s health minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the country will begin distributing a new HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir (LEN), on June 5th in Mpumalanga. The injection, given every six months, offers a highly effective way to prevent HIV transmission. Initial rollout will occur at 360 government clinics.

LEN addresses a key challenge with daily prevention pills—consistent adherence—which is difficult for many, especially young people. However, successful implementation requires robust health systems, consistent funding, and political commitment. Current funding from sources like the Global Fund and Pepfar, while increased to cover doses for roughly 3-million people over three years, falls short of the 1- to 2-million people per year needed to significantly reduce infections.

South Africa faces 139,521 new HIV infections annually and would require more doses than any other nation to make substantial progress. Recent funding cuts to prevention programs—including a 41% decrease in people starting prevention medication—and reduced data collection for key populations create obstacles. The work to strengthen prevention services and ensure equitable access continues.