The Gauteng Department of Health has announced that it will commence the phased rollout of the Lenacapavir drug at 133 health facilities across the province from Monday.
Lenacapavir, which is administered via injection twice a year and offers welcome relief from daily pills or bi-monthly injections, was launched on Friday by President Cyril Ramaphosa to expand HIV prevention options and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Gauteng, which includes some of the regions carrying a significant HIV burden, has been identified as a key implementation site for the first phase of the programme.
According to the Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, the province will introduce the drug at 133 facilities across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand, targeting populations at high risk of HIV infection.
“Gauteng has been allocated sufficient Lenacapavir stock to initiate 56,079 eligible clients between 8 June 2026 and 31 March 2027 across the province.
The Department has already received its initial allocation to initiate 18,809 individuals.
Distribution to districts commenced on 24 May 2026 and has enabled facilities to prepare for implementation ahead of the official rollout on 8 June. Additional stock will be supplied quarterly to ensure continuity of the programme and access to services,” said Mabona.
As part of its implementation drive, the Department has trained healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers and data personnel, established monitoring and reporting systems, and distributed clinical guidelines to support the safe and effective implementation of the programme.
“Phase one of the rollout will prioritise adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men, key populations including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons and people who inject drugs, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women who remain vulnerable to HIV infection,” explained Mabona.
Furthermore, the Department has cautioned the public that Lenacapavir forms part of a comprehensive package of HIV prevention interventions and does not replace HIV testing, condom use, STI prevention and treatment, voluntary medical male circumcision, or treatment services for people living with HIV.
