PROVINCIAL NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness today started the phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medication that offers renewed hope in the fight against HIV and expands the prevention options available to people at risk of infection.

The rollout aims to prevent new HIV infections and forms part of a broader HIV prevention approach that includes testing, treatment services, condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the introduction of Lenacapavir demonstrates the progress that continues to be made in HIV prevention.

"The rollout of Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention, one of the most significant advances in the field in recent years and gives us another opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention in our communities. 

"It expands the choices available to people who may benefit from a long-acting prevention option and brings us one step closer to a future with fewer new infections."

She says while treatment has transformed millions of lives, preventing new infections remains one of the most important priorities.

Lenacapavir is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that helps prevent HIV infection and is administered as an injection every six months. It is not a vaccine but a long-acting prevention medicine that offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP for eligible individuals.

The first phase of the rollout will take place at 22 healthcare facilities serving communities with the highest HIV burden in the province. 

A phased approach is necessary to ensure available supply reaches those most likely to benefit while implementation systems are established and monitored.
Head of Department for Health and Wellness, Dr Keith Cloete, said the 22 facilities selected for the first phase serve communities with a high HIV burden and are well positioned to support the rollout. 

"Clients will receive HIV testing, counselling and clinical assessment before starting the medicine, and ongoing follow-up will be an important part of the programme.

"As additional supply becomes available in future, we will continue to assess opportunities to expand access to more communities. Our priority is to ensure that the rollout is implemented safely, effectively and in a manner that maximises its impact."

The facilities participating in the first phase of the rollout are all based in and around Cape town.

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