South African (SA) National Department of Health has confirmed that Lenacapavir, a six-month HIV prevention injection, will be rolled out in six provinces between April and June this year.
Announcing the initiative in his Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, the President highlighted government plans for a large-scale rollout of the injection, which has been made available at over 300 healthcare facilities across 24 districts nationwide.
All HIV-negative individuals are eligible to receive Lenacapavir. Orapeleng Mohlaoleng from the Department of Health explained:
“Lenacapavir is not for people who are HIV positive. It is for HIV-negative individuals at risk of contracting the virus. It is an HIV prevention method, not a treatment and not a vaccine. We are targeting the general population, men and women of any age, as well as key populations such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender people.”
The rollout is part of SA’s ongoing efforts to curb new HIV infections and expand prevention options for populations at risk.
–ChanenlAfrica–
