By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa plans to rollout Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection which is almost 100% effective in preventing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as early as next year.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile made the announcement when delivering the World AIDS Day message at Ga-Masemola stadium in the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo.
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
The country theme for year 2025 commemoration is “Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitments to End AIDS” – it urges the reinvigoration of strategies to close gaps in prevention and treatment, and emphasises long-term investment in the face of funding cuts and shifting global priorities that affect investment in HIV.
Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug that offers six months of protection and requires only two injections per year.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) achieved regulatory readiness, making it the first in Africa and the third globally to register Lenacapavir.
In 2026 and 2027, South Africa will receive donated LEN doses, paid for by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to start and keep 456 360 people on LEN — a total of 974 450 doses — over two years, according to department of health.
The first shipment of 115 000 doses for distribution at 360 government health clinics is scheduled to arrive in February 2026.
Mashatile described Lenacapavir as not merely a scientific breakthrough, but “a symbol of what becomes possible when science, political will, and community demand meet at the same table”.
He noted that the drug holds profound promise for young women and girls who often cannot negotiate condom use.
“It empowers adolescent girls navigating relationships marked by power imbalances. It provides protection for key populations who face stigma and discrimination. It supports workers and learners who struggle with the burden of daily pill adherence, “Mashatile said.
Despite South Africa surpassing the first and third UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, challenges remain in ensuring that people who are diagnosed begin and stay on treatment.
The UNAIDS 95-95-95 target aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on ART to have a suppressed viral load.
The country’s current progress stands at 96-80-97, compared to global figures of 95-85-92.
To address the treatment–initiation gap, Mashatile highlighted the national recovery initiative launched on 25 February 2025—the 1.1 million “Close the Gap” Treatment Acceleration Campaign.
“To close the 1.1 million gap and prepare for long-acting prevention, we must critically examine our efforts towards marginalised communities and our willingness to embrace new scientific advancements,” he said.
Mashatile also welcomed the rollout of the Six-Month Multi-Month Dispensing model, introduced by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.
This model allows stable patients to collect a six-month supply of ARVs in a single visit, reducing travel costs, decongesting clinics, and improving treatment adherence.
On this World AIDS Day, we celebrate the incredible progress that has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a condition that can be managed with dignity and hope, added Mashatile.