Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has received an additional 28,593 Lenacapavir initiation packs as the province aims to expand access to the six-monthly, long-acting HIV prevention injection. The department stated that the new stock is being distributed to 133 participating healthcare facilities across Gauteng, with the replenishment aimed at restoring access for eligible clients following temporary shortages at some facilities.
According to South African Government News Agency, while many facilities across the province still have stock available, the recent delivery will replenish facilities in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Sedibeng that experienced temporary shortages due to high demand after the successful rollout of Lenacapavir in June 2026. The latest consignment brings the total number of initiation packs received to date to 57,231 across three batches.
By the end of July 2026, Gauteng had already initiated 17,937 eligible clients on Lenacapavir, indicating strong public uptake of the HIV prevention option. The province has been allocated sufficient stock to initiate 114,160 eligible clients between June 2026 and March 2027, with further supplies scheduled for quarterly delivery.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko expressed that the strong public response to Lenacapavir was encouraging and showed that more residents were taking proactive steps to protect themselves against HIV infection. She remarked that the overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir is a positive sign of people embracing HIV prevention services and taking charge of their health.
The department highlighted that the strong uptake of Lenacapavir reflects growing awareness of HIV prevention services and residents' willingness to access interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections. Temporary stock shortages at some facilities resulted from demand exceeding initial projections.
The department acknowledged the frustration experienced by some clients but was encouraged by the growing number of people seeking HIV prevention services. Efforts are underway to replenish stock and ensure eligible clients can access Lenacapavir at any of the 133 participating facilities across Gauteng.
The department also reminded communities that Lenacapavir is intended for HIV prevention and not HIV treatment. There have been instances where people living with HIV have requested the injection, prompting healthcare workers to continue providing education on its purpose and eligibility criteria. Individuals are required to undergo HIV testing before being initiated on Lenacapavir.
The GDoH further emphasized that while Lenacapavir is highly effective in preventing HIV infection, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies. The public is encouraged to continue using condoms and access regular HIV and STI screening services, which are available free of charge at public healthcare facilities throughout Gauteng.
To improve access to Lenacapavir, the department has strengthened provincial and district stock-monitoring systems and expanded training for healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers, and data personnel. It also continues to conduct weekly monitoring of programme implementation, clinical guidelines, and reporting systems, while community engagement and demand-creation activities remain central to the programme.
The department also stressed that daily oral PrEP remains an important HIV prevention option and continues to be available at public healthcare facilities across the province. Lenacapavir is intended to complement, not replace, existing prevention methods.
Clients initiated on Lenacapavir are encouraged to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Following initiation, clients are required to return for a one-month follow-up visit and thereafter every six months for subsequent injections. These visits are important for HIV retesting, clinical monitoring, and addressing any questions or concerns that clients may have.