Lenacapavir, taken twice a year, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99%. The country and the global community commemorated World Aids Day on Monday (1/12), shining a spotlight on the stigma that creates barriers to testing and treatment.

Approximately 40 million people worldwide are living with the virus, of whom almost a quarter live in South Africa. About 1.3 million new cases are diagnosed each year. 

‘Lenacapavir was shown in clinical trials to be safe’

Women and girls account for more than 60% of new cases in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Aids Healthcare Foundation. Eastern and southern Africa account for about 52% of the 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide, according to 2024 UNAIDS data. 

The first individuals have begun using lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa as part of a study funded by the global health initiative Unitaid, led by Wits RHI at the University of the Witwatersrand, according to Unitaid.

“With an injection under the skin every six months, lenacapavir was shown in clinical trials to be safe and nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV,” said the statement. “The first individuals have begun using lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa, making it among the first real-world use of the six-monthly injectable in low-and middle-income countries.”

Neighbouring Zambia and Eswatini received a thousand doses last month as part of a US programme and were expected to launch the drug at World Aids Day ceremonies on Monday.

This year, the Aids Healthcare Foundation organised events around the world to highlight that the fight against HIV/Aids is not over. The organisation, which began its global programmes in South Africa and Uganda in 2002, focuses on prevention, testing, and access to condoms, treatment, and a range of care. 

In November, the health minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, launched the six multi-month dispensing healthcare strategy in Bloemfontein. The model allows stable patients to receive a six-month supply of ARVs in one clinic visit, reducing clinic visits, saving time and transportation costs, and alleviating the workload at healthcare facilities.

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