<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa said the introduction of the long-acting injectable drug represents one of the most significant scientific advances since the development of antiretroviral therapy. Ramaphosa said the intervention offers renewed hope in a country that has carried one of the heaviest burdens of HIV globally.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said Lenacapavir, which is administered as a single injection twice a year, has the potential to transform prevention efforts by reducing barriers linked to daily medication and improving adherence. Ramaphosa said the drug expands prevention options, strengthens dignity and gives individuals greater control over their health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SA plans to roll out the treatment across 360 public health facilities in six provinces and 24 high-burden districts. Ramaphosa said the government aims to reach close to one million people by the end of 2027 and about three million people within three years.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said the rollout forms part of a broader national strategy to prevent new infections and support long-term public health outcomes. Ramaphosa said each infection prevented contributes to protecting lives, preserving families and strengthening communities.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa acknowledged the country\u2019s history with the epidemic, saying the impact of HIV has been severe, with significant loss of life across all sectors of society. However, Ramaphosa also highlighted SA\u2019s response, noting the expansion of the world\u2019s largest HIV treatment programme and efforts to improve access to affordable medicines.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The rollout of Lenacapavir is being supported through partnerships between the government and international organisations, including the Global Fund and the Children\u2019s Investment Fund Foundation. Ramaphosa said the combined funding effort, supported by government resources, will contribute about $70 million, equivalent to the programme\u2019s implementation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said expanding access to life-saving medicine remains a national priority, adding that such treatments should not be limited to a small portion of the population. Ramaphosa said SA will continue to pursue access to affordable generics, technology transfer and local pharmaceutical production.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa also linked health security to broader economic development, saying the ability to manufacture and distribute medicines is essential for long-term resilience and growth. Ramaphosa said SA remains committed to supporting the African Union\u2019s goal of producing 60% of the continent\u2019s health products by 2040.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said Lenacapavir will complement existing prevention efforts, including testing, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment programmes, condom use and medical male circumcision. Ramaphosa said continued education, community engagement and efforts to reduce stigma will remain critical to success.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa called on healthcare workers, community leaders and families to support ongoing prevention efforts, while encouraging young people to make informed decisions about their health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said the introduction of Lenacapavir marks the beginning of a new phase in the country\u2019s HIV response, driven by science, partnership and expanded access to prevention tools.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":36363,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"news-type":[26],"class_list":["post-36362","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-type-general_news","entry"],"acf":{"short_description":"South Africa's (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the rollout of Lenacapavir as a major milestone in SA\u2019s fight against HIV, saying the new prevention method marks a turning point in efforts to reduce infections and protect vulnerable communities.","published_date":"","news_description":"South Africa's (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the rollout of Lenacapavir as a major milestone in SA\u2019s fight against HIV, saying the new prevention method marks a turning point in efforts to reduce infections and protect vulnerable communities.","form_embed":"","author":"","image_caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/36362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/36362\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36364,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/36362\/revisions\/36364"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-type?post=36362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}