By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa has received an offer of R520-million from the Global Fund to fight Aids, TB and Malaria to buy the twice-a-year anti-HIV jab, Lenacapavir.
Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly antiretroviral-containing injection, is one of the most promising tools yet in the fight to end AIDS.
Data from two major trials released last year showed it offers near-complete protection against HIV infection for some of the most vulnerable groups: young women, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender and gender-diverse people.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has hailed long-acting injectables such as Lenacapavir as a game-changer poised to revolutionise HIV prevention.
Phaahla was speaking at the 12th South African National AIDS Conference 2025.
The conference brought together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa, the continent and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.
Phaahla said the conference took place during a period when the country is dealing with the realities of the United States’ funding withdrawals.
He thanked the Global Fund and other partners for selecting South Africa as one of the early adopter countries for Lenacapavir implementation as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.
Lenacapavir tablets and injections can be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative.
Phaahla stated that modelling studies and expert guidance show that investing in combination HIV prevention strategies is the most cost-effective and efficient approach to reducing new infections and connecting individuals to comprehensive care.
“We believe that HIV combination prevention interventions will ensure that we protect gains and successes made thus far in the HIV response.
“Furthermore, prevention technologies such as long acting injectables, including Lenacapavir, expand options for individuals at risk.”
He emphasised the importance of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, in strengthening the HIV response by accelerating prevention and treatment services, improving surveillance, and enhancing programme management.
Phaahla is of the view that these technologies should be implemented with strong governance and privacy protections.
“I need to be clear that utilisation of these technologies is never intended to replace the human element in healthcare, but to enhance our response.”
Phaahla said TB and HIV co-infection remains the leading cause of death for people living with HIV.
In February this year, the department launched the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign to find 1.1 million clients who disengaged from treatment.
Meanwhile Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, the CEO of the country’s medicine regulator, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, Sahpra, said it is aiming to have lenacapavir registered in South Africa before the end of the year.
The roll-out — likely in early 2026 — can only start once Sahpra has registered the medicine, the country’s essential medicines list committee has reviewed and recommended lenacapavir, procurement processes are in place and health workers and clinics have all they need to hand the drug safely to patients.
A modelling study shows that if between two and four million HIV-negative people in South Africa use the jab every year over the next eight years, the medication could end Aids as a public health threat by 2032.