The Gauteng Department of Health has begun the phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a new long acting HIV prevention injection, at 133 public health facilities across the province. The programme officially started on 9 June 2026 and targets people who are HIV negative but considered to be at high risk of infection.
The injection, administered once every six months, forms part of a national HIV prevention strategy announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Gauteng has been identified as a key implementation province due to its large population and high demand for HIV prevention services.
Health officials say the rollout is designed to provide an additional HIV prevention option while supporting South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
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What Is Lenacapavir and How Does It Work?
Lenacapavir is a long acting injectable form of pre exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP.
Unlike oral PrEP medication that must be taken daily, Lenacapavir is administered only twice a year. The medication is intended for HIV negative individuals who may struggle to take daily prevention tablets consistently.
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, Lenacapavir complements existing HIV prevention measures rather than replacing them.
These measures include:
• HIV testing services
• Oral PrEP
• Condom use
• Post exposure prophylaxis
• Sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment
• Voluntary medical male circumcision
Before receiving the injection, individuals must undergo HIV testing and screening to determine whether they qualify for the programme.
More Than 56,000 Gauteng Residents Expected to Benefit
Gauteng MEC for Health Faith Mazibuko said the province has received enough stock to initiate 56,079 eligible clients between June 2026 and March 2027.
The department has already received its first allocation, which is expected to cover 18,809 individuals.
According to the department, stock distribution to districts began on 24 May, allowing facilities to prepare for implementation before the official launch.
Additional supplies will be distributed quarterly to ensure uninterrupted access to the programme.
Healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers and data personnel have also undergone training to support safe implementation and monitoring of the initiative.
Who Will Be Prioritised During the First Phase?
The first phase of the rollout will focus on groups considered most vulnerable to HIV infection.
Priority groups include:
• Adolescent girls and young women
• Adolescent boys and young men
• Sex workers
• Men who have sex with men
• Transgender persons
• People who inject drugs
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women
Health officials say these groups continue to experience elevated HIV infection risks and are expected to benefit significantly from expanded prevention options.
Where Can Residents Access Lenacapavir?
The injection is available at selected facilities across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.
Johannesburg facilities include:
• Alexandra CHC
• Hillbrow CHC
• Lillian Ngoyi CHC
• Mofolo CHC
• Orlando Provincial Clinic
• Zola CHC
• Zola Gateway Clinic
• Braamfischerville Clinic
• Chiawelo CHC
• Meadowlands Zone 2 Provincial Clinic
Residents in Tshwane can access the service at facilities including:
• Atteridgeville Clinic
• Jubilee Gateway Clinic
• Mamelodi West Clinic
• Laudium Community Health Centre
• Soshanguve Community Health Centre
In Ekurhuleni, facilities include:
• Boksburg Civic Centre Clinic
• Kempton Park Civic Centre Clinic
• Tembisa Main Clinic
• Kwa Thema Community Health Centre
• Germiston City Clinic
Facilities have also been identified across Sedibeng and the West Rand.
National HIV Prevention Strategy Gains Momentum
The rollout forms part of a broader national initiative led by the National Department of Health.
Speaking at the national launch in Secunda, President Ramaphosa described Lenacapavir as a significant scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention.
Government plans indicate that approximately one million people could be reached nationally by the end of 2027 through the programme.
The initiative is supported through funding partnerships involving government and international health partners to ensure the medication remains accessible through the public healthcare system.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The introduction of Lenacapavir provides Gauteng residents with an additional HIV prevention option that may be more convenient than daily medication.
For people who struggle to maintain a daily pill schedule, the twice yearly injection may improve adherence to HIV prevention programmes.
Health authorities emphasise that the injection should be viewed as part of a broader prevention strategy rather than a standalone solution.
Residents who believe they may qualify are encouraged to visit participating clinics for HIV testing, information and eligibility screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long acting HIV prevention injection given once every six months to eligible HIV negative individuals at high risk of infection.
How often is the injection administered?
The injection is administered twice a year, with each dose providing protection for approximately six months.
Does Lenacapavir replace condoms or HIV testing?
No. Health authorities stress that Lenacapavir should be used alongside other HIV prevention methods, including testing and condom use.
Who can receive the injection?
Eligibility is determined after HIV testing and screening at participating healthcare facilities. Priority groups include young people, sex workers, transgender persons and other high risk populations.
Where can I get Lenacapavir in Gauteng?
The injection is currently available at 133 selected public health facilities across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.
What’s Next For Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Health’s rollout of Lenacapavir marks a significant expansion of HIV prevention services in the province. With 133 participating facilities and more than 56,000 people expected to benefit during the first phase, health authorities hope the programme will strengthen efforts to reduce new HIV infections and support South Africa’s target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Residents are encouraged to visit participating healthcare facilities to learn more about the injection and determine whether they qualify for the programme.
