Rollout of HIV-prevention drug gets big thumbs up

Lenacapavir is expected to cut rate of infections

- By Mbalenhle Zuma, Matume-lo Khara, Coceka Magubeni and Tholakele Thabane

South Africans are calling on the government to swiftly roll out Lenacapavir-an HIV prevention drug-to reduce the rate of infections in their communities.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that South Africa intends to roll out the drug as early as March 2026.

Although Motsoaledi stated that the government will roll out the drug next year, Khumoitsile Modiranosi from Zeerust in the North West said she would have preferred for the rollout to be implemented sooner to avert further infections in the area.

“With the festive season upon us, we expect the infection rate to increase because young people tend to forget to use protection when they are under the influence of alcohol and substances,” she said.

Dolly Sefuba from Solomondale in Limpopo urged the government to speed up the rollout process.

“The drug should not only be available in the urban and semi-urban areas but also in the rural areas where sex education is still a taboo,” she said.

Thoko Sithole from Pieter-maritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal hailed the drug as a great advancement in HIV management and prevention and for its urgent rollout.

“This new drug offers the potential for improved adherence, requiring only two injections per year instead of daily tablets,” Sithole said.