Gauteng receives 28,593 Lenacapavir packs as demand for HIV prevention rises

SOUTH AFRICA—The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has received an additional 28,593 Lenacapavir initiation packs as the province expands access to the six-monthly, long-acting injection for HIV prevention.

The department said it is distributing the new stock to 133 participating healthcare facilities across Gauteng.

The replenishment will restore supplies at facilities in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Sedibeng that experienced temporary shortages after demand exceeded initial projections following the programme’s rollout in June 2026.

Many facilities across the province still have stock available, while the latest consignment brings the total number of initiation packs received by Gauteng to 57,231 across three batches.

By the end of July 2026, healthcare providers had initiated 17,937 eligible clients on Lenacapavir, reflecting strong demand for the HIV prevention option.

Gauteng has been allocated enough stock to initiate 114,160 eligible clients between June 2026 and March 2027, with additional supplies scheduled for quarterly delivery.

Strong demand for HIV prevention

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko said the strong public response showed that more residents were taking proactive steps to prevent HIV infection.

“The overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir is a positive sign that more people are embracing HIV prevention services and taking charge of their health,” Mazibuko said.

She added that the response highlighted the need for prevention options that are convenient, effective and suited to people’s lifestyles and circumstances.

The department said the temporary shortages resulted from demand exceeding initial estimates.

It acknowledged the frustration experienced by some clients and said it was working to restore supplies so eligible people can access Lenacapavir at any of the 133 participating facilities.

Lenacapavir for prevention, not treatment

The GDoH also reminded the public that Lenacapavir is intended to prevent HIV and is not a treatment for people already living with the virus.

Individuals must undergo HIV testing before receiving the injection to confirm their eligibility.

Healthcare workers have also continued educating clients about the eligibility requirements after some people living with HIV requested the injection.

Although Lenacapavir is highly effective at preventing HIV infection, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies.

The department therefore encouraged residents to continue using condoms and undergo regular HIV and STI screening, which remain available free of charge at public healthcare facilities across Gauteng.

Strengthening programme implementation

To improve access, the department has strengthened provincial and district stock-monitoring systems and expanded training for healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers and data personnel.

It also conducts weekly monitoring of programme implementation, clinical guidelines and reporting systems, while community engagement and demand-creation activities continue to support uptake.

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains available as another HIV prevention option.

The department said Lenacapavir complements rather than replaces existing prevention methods.

Clients who receive Lenacapavir must attend scheduled follow-up appointments.

They return one month after initiation and every six months thereafter for subsequent injections, HIV retesting, clinical monitoring and support.

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