Western Cape expands HIV prevention with rollout of Lenacapavir

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has today commenced the phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medication that offers renewed hope in the fight against HIV and expands the prevention options available to people at risk of infection.

The rollout represents a significant milestone in efforts to prevent new HIV infections and forms part of a broader HIV prevention approach that includes testing, treatment services, condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the introduction of Lenacapavir demonstrates the progress that continues to be made in HIV prevention.

"The rollout of Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention, one of the most significant advances in the field in recent years, and gives us another opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention in our communities. It expands the choices available to people who may benefit from a long-acting prevention option and brings us one step closer to a future with fewer new infections."

She continued, "For more than two decades, South Africans have shown what is possible when communities, healthcare workers, researchers and government work together in the fight against HIV. While treatment has transformed millions of lives, preventing new infections remains one of our most important priorities."

Lenacapavir is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that helps prevent HIV infection and is administered as an injection every six months. It is not a vaccine but a long-acting prevention medicine that offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP for eligible individuals.

The first phase of the rollout will take place at 22 healthcare facilities serving communities with the highest HIV burden in the province. A phased approach is necessary to ensure available supply reaches those most likely to benefit while implementation systems are established and monitored.

Head of Department for Health and Wellness, Dr Keith Cloete, said the phased approach would allow the Department to target available supply where it can have the greatest impact.

"The Western Cape is implementing Lenacapavir in a responsible and targeted manner. The 22 facilities selected for the first phase serve communities with a high HIV burden and are well positioned to support the rollout. Clients will receive HIV testing, counselling and clinical assessment before starting the medicine, and ongoing follow-up will be an important part of the programme."

"As additional supply becomes available in future, we will continue to assess opportunities to expand access to more communities. Our priority is to ensure that the rollout is implemented safely, effectively and in a manner that maximises its impact."

Provincial Council on AIDS and TB Co‑Chairperson, Amelia Mfiki, welcomed the introduction of Lenacapavir as both a turning point and a remarkable milestone in advancing HIV prevention in the Western Cape.

“Different people require different prevention options. For some, a six‑monthly injection may be easier to manage than taking a daily pill. What matters most is that people are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and have access to prevention choices that suit their lives.”

“Lenacapavir is another valuable tool in our collective effort to reduce new HIV infections and protect the health of our communities. When researchers work in partnership with communities, supported by strong government leadership, it creates the foundation for a successful public health programme. Continued support for community‑based organisations remains essential to ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of HIV programmes on the ground.”

She also called on sponsors and funders to strengthen their investment in clinical research and to deepen their commitment to demand creation, noting that sustained financing and community‑centred engagement are critical to translating scientific breakthroughs into real‑world impact.

The facilities participating in the first phase of the rollout are:

• Khayelitsha (Site B) CHC
• Phumlani Clinic
• Weltevreden Valley Clinic
• Vuyani Clinic
• Delft South Clinic
• Matthew Goniwe CDC
• Gugulethu Clinic
• Nolungile CDC
• Symphony Way CDC
• Town 2 CDC
• Delft CHC
• Gugulethu CHC
• Mzamomhle Clinic
• Dr Abdurahman CDC
• Mfuleni CDC
• Luvuyo CDC
• Michael Mapongwana CDC
• Nyanga CDC
• Kuyasa CDC
• Ikhwezi CDC
• Dr Ivan Toms CDC
• Nomzamo CDC

Residents are encouraged to speak to healthcare workers at participating facilities for more information about eligibility and available HIV prevention services.