By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday launched the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir in Secunda, Mpumalanga, describing it as a major scientific breakthrough in South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
The injectable drug, administered twice a year, is expected to strengthen HIV prevention efforts by reducing adherence barriers associated with daily medication.
Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa said Lenacapavir represented a turning point in the country’s response to HIV.
“The launch today marks a turning point in our nation’s fight against HIV. To us, this treatment is not just medicine. It represents one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the advent of antiretroviral treatment,” he said.
He described the drug as a triumph of science and innovation that could help save lives, particularly among young women who continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infections.
Ramaphosa said Lenacapavir would strengthen prevention efforts by giving people greater choice and control over their health.
“It expands choice, strengthens dignity and empowers people to take control of their health and their future,” he said.
Government has set a target of administering three million doses of Lenacapavir over the next three years.
“This is a nation-building target,” Ramaphosa said.
To support the rollout, government has partnered with the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation in a R1.3 billion initiative aimed at expanding access to the drug.
The president said the partnership would support large-scale distribution while government pursues additional measures to improve access through affordable generic medicines, technology transfer and local manufacturing.
“This partnership reflects a principle that South Africa has consistently championed — that life-saving medicines must not be a privilege reserved for a few,” he said.
Ramaphosa also reiterated South Africa’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, noting the continent’s ambition to increase local production of health products.
“Health security can no longer be separated from economic development. The capacity to develop, manufacture and distribute medicines is essential to our sovereignty, resilience and prosperity,” he said.
He added that sexual health education, tackling stigma and promoting responsible behaviour remain central to government’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections.
The launch comes as South Africa continues to implement measures aimed at curbing new infections and expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
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