Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection expands access in Gauteng and India

The Gauteng Department of Health has received 28,593 additional Lenacapavir initiation packs to expand access to the six-monthly, long-acting HIV prevention injection. The stock is being distributed to 133 healthcare facilities across Gauteng, specifically targeting areas like Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Sedibeng that experienced temporary shortages due to high demand following the drug's rollout in June 2026.

By the end of July 2026, Gauteng had initiated 17,937 eligible clients on the treatment. The province has been allocated enough stock to initiate 114,160 clients between June 2026 and March 2027. Health MEC Faith Mazibuko noted that the high demand reflects a positive trend in residents taking proactive steps toward HIV prevention.

In India, health experts are looking toward Lenacapavir as a potential solution to address gaps in HIV prevention. While India has made progress in controlling the epidemic, recent data shows fluctuations in new infection rates. Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV-1 capsid inhibitor developed by Gilead Sciences, offers a highly effective and convenient twice-yearly injection option that could assist in reaching high-risk populations.