Health authorities in South Africa’s (SA) Gauteng province are moving to clear up local shortages of the long-acting HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, after a sharp rise in patient demand left several public clinics running low.
To get ahead of the supply pressure, the Gauteng Department of Health is sending out more than 28 000 new initiation packs to 133 facilities across high-density areas, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Sedibeng.
Department Spokesperson Steve Mabona called on patients starting the preventative treatment to stick closely to their clinic schedules so healthcare workers can manage stock and keep protection continuous.
Under the rollout guidelines, people receiving their first Lenacapavir jab need to head back to their clinic after one month for a progress check, followed by routine booster injections every six months. Health officials stress that these regular check-ups are essential for routine HIV retesting and overall health tracking.
–ChannelAfrica–
