South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a major R1.3 billion initiative aimed at rolling out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Ramaphosa described the funding as a “catalytic investment,” noting that the programme reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that life-saving medicines are accessible to all, rather than being limited to a privileged few.
Lenacapavir is a first-in-class antiretroviral drug known as a capsid inhibitor, which works by targeting the outer structure of the virus and preventing it from replicating and entering human cells. Its long-acting formulation allows it to be administered just twice a year, making it a significant shift from daily oral prevention methods.
Clinical trials conducted in several countries, including South Africa and Uganda, have shown extremely high effectiveness, with results indicating near-complete protection against HIV infection when used correctly.
The new rollout is particularly significant for South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV burdens globally. The programme is being supported through both government funding and international partners, including global health organisations.
The first phase will be implemented across hundreds of public health clinics in high-burden districts, with the aim of reaching close to one million people by 2027. Priority will be given to high-risk groups such as adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women.
Despite the optimism surrounding the programme, challenges remain, particularly around cost and accessibility. The branded version of the drug remains expensive, prompting efforts to expand access through licensing agreements that would allow for the production of more affordable generic alternatives in the coming years.
Health authorities say this approach aligns with broader efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa and improve long-term access to essential medicines.
