The Gauteng Department of Health says it has exceeded its target in the first month of rolling out the HIV prevention injectable drug, Lenacapavir, marking a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections.
The department says it aimed to provide the long-acting HIV prevention injection to about 4,000 people during the initial phase of the programme. However, more than 6,000 individuals have already received the medication, surpassing the original target.
Lenacapavir is designed to provide additional protection against HIV for people who are at substantial risk of contracting the virus. The injectable medicine forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen HIV prevention and move closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
To support the continued rollout, the department has also received a second shipment of the medication. It further says the additional stock will help ensure a steady supply of the drug and prevent interruptions as more eligible people are enrolled in the programme.
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