South Africa is boosting its fight against HIV/AIDS with a new long‑acting injectable drug called Lenacapavir. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the rollout – the first of its kind in the country – marks a “pivotal moment” for public health.
The drug will be given twice a year, letting patients skip daily pills and helping them stay on treatment. Motsoaledi told reporters in Johannesburg that this could move South Africa’s HIV prevention program to the next level, especially for people who struggle to keep up with daily medication.
South Africa has worked hard over the last two decades to curb one of the world’s highest HIV infection rates, with about 8 million people living with the virus today. The new injection builds on the progress already made in treatment and prevention.
The government secured an initial block of Lenacapavir through a $29 million grant from the Global Fund. This funding will cover 456,000 first‑time users and provide 912,000 doses in the first couple of years. That’s a start, but Motsoaledi noted it will cover only a fraction of the total need.
In 2023, the country diagnosed 149,000 new HIV cases. Women and adolescent girls remain the most affected groups. The injectable, which can help people avoid daily reminders of their illness, is expected to improve adherence in high‑risk groups.
The first rollout will focus on the most vulnerable populations: adolescent girls, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, female sex workers, and men who have sex with other men. The government says the new drug will give these groups a better chance of staying healthy and preventing the spread of HIV.
Source: ianslive
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