55,000 in three months: What SA’s HIV prevention numbers reveal
More than 55,000 people were initiated on South Africa’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection within three months of its national rollout, according to the Department of Health.
Over 55,000 individuals in South Africa have commenced using the country's new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, known as lenacapavir, within just three months of its national launch. The Department of Health reported that 55,123 people had been initiated on lenacapavir as of September 7, 2025, following the program's commencement on June 5, 2025, by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi.
The rollout has been carried out at 360 public health facilities across 24 districts in six provinces, with Gauteng leading the way in initiation numbers, accounting for nearly half of all reported cases. Women constitute the majority of recipients, with 71% of the initiates being female, primarily pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
The rapid uptake of lenacapavir, despite the program's June 2025 launch, indicates strong demand for a longer-acting HIV prevention option. Experts note that the shift from daily oral PrEP to twice-yearly injections can improve adherence and reduce stigma. The World Health Organization has hailed South Africa's progress as a significant milestone in the country's HIV response.
However, the department warns that the early pace should not be considered a direct indicator of future uptake, as factors such as expansion, demand, supply, and service capacity may influence the trajectory.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
