Over 55,123 South Africans started on long‑acting PrEP Lenacapavir across six provinces

Since President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, launched the medication earlier this year, it has been rolled out to about 360 public health facilities across 24 districts in six provinces.

Comprehensive PrEP-choice programme

“More than 55,123 people had been initiated on Lenacapavir as of 7 September 2026, reflecting strong demand for this long-acting HIV prevention option.

“The majority (71%) of the recipients are females, mostly pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

“Gauteng province has recorded the highest number of Lenacapavir initiations, with more than 26,357 people initiated, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11,941, North West with 4,479, Western Cape with 4,446, Mpumalanga with 4,294 and Eastern Cape with 3,606,” the department said.

The department has carried out the rollout in collaboration with stakeholders, including provincial health departments.

Healthcare workers and implementing partners are monitoring uptake, commodity availability, quality of service delivery, client follow-up and safety.

“Lenacapavir is being offered within a comprehensive PrEP-choice programme alongside other available HIV prevention options.

“Lenacapavir has been approved and registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) as safe and effective for preventing HIV infection, following a thorough review of preclinical, clinical and manufacturing data.

“Individuals who experience serious or persistent adverse events after receiving the injection are encouraged to report these promptly to healthcare workers at their nearest health facility.

“The department remains committed to the safe, responsible and evidence-based implementation of Lenacapavir and other medical products, supported by strengthened pharmacovigilance, clinical monitoring and rapid investigation of any serious adverse events,” the DoH stated.