Congo-Kinshasa: Violence Against Healthcare Workers in DRC Hampers Ebola Response

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has received an additional 28 593 Lenacapavir initiation packs as the province moves to expand access to the six-monthly, long-acting HIV prevention injection.

The department said the new stock is currently 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.

While many facilities across the province still have stock available, the latest delivery will replenish facilities in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Sedibeng that experienced temporary shortages due to exceptionally high demand following 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, demonstrating 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 said the strong public response to Lenacapavir was encouraging and showed that more residents were taking proactive steps to protect themselves against HIV infection.

“The overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir is a positive sign that more people are embracing HIV prevention services and taking charge of their health. It also demonstrates the need for innovative prevention options that are convenient, effective and responsive to people’s lifestyles and circumstances,” MEC Mazibuko said.

The department said the strong uptake of Lenacapavir reflects growing awareness of HIV prevention services and residents’ willingness to access interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections.

It said the temporary stock shortages experienced at some facilities resulted from demand exceeding initial projections.

“While the Department acknowledges the frustration experienced by some clients, it is encouraged by the growing number of people seeking HIV prevention services,” the department said, adding that it was working to replenish stock and ensure eligible clients could 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, with healthcare workers continuing to provide education on its purpose and eligibility criteria. Individuals are required to undergo HIV testing before being initiated on Lenacapavir.

The GDoH further emphasised 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 therefore 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,” the department said.

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.

The department said these visits are important for HIV retesting, clinical monitoring and addressing any questions or concerns that clients may have.

By SAnews.gov.za.