Gauteng exceeds Lenacapavir target as 6,130 people start HIV prevention injections

Gauteng’s Department of Health has surpassed its provincial target for the new HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir, initiating 6,130 eligible clients between 8 June and the end of June. According to IOL, the figure represents 131% of the province’s monthly target of 4,672 initiations.

Rollout numbers and where uptake was highest

The department said Lenacapavir was introduced in a phased rollout that began on 8 June. Across the province, the medication was made available at 133 public health facilities, which the department said have received sufficient stock to meet demand.

District-level initiations reported to IOL were:

• Tshwane: 2,216 initiations
• Johannesburg: 1,981 initiations
• Ekurhuleni: 1,435 initiations
• Sedibeng: 377 initiations
• West Rand: 121 initiations

Supply and provincial monitoring

Provincial monitoring data cited by IOL shows that reporting facilities currently hold more than 7,400 injection packs and over 7,500 oral tablet packs. The department also reported that an additional 9,830 Lenacapavir packs were delivered to the provincial Medical Supplies Depot on 26 June to support programme expansion.

Health department response and advice

The Gauteng Department of Health credited healthcare workers and facility teams for driving implementation across the province. In a statement quoted by IOL, the department said:

“Since the commencement of the phased rollout on 08 June 2026, a total of 6 130 eligible clients have been initiated on Lenacapavir across Gauteng, representing 131% of the provincial monthly target of 4 672 initiations.”

The department underlined that Lenacapavir is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to reduce new HIV infections and work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. IOL reported the medication is offered to HIV-negative individuals considered to be at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.

Officials emphasised that the medicine should be used alongside other prevention measures. The department said:

“While Lenacapavir offers an important additional option for HIV prevention, it should not be viewed as a replacement for other prevention methods.”

They also warned that Lenacapavir does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies, and urged continued practice of safer sex, including consistent condom use, regular STI screening and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

Source

According to IOL, the Gauteng Department of Health provided the rollout figures and statements quoted in this article.