Government says the rollout of the newly launched HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, has received a positive response, with more than 16,000 people initiated on the medication within the first month.
The Department of Health says adolescent girls and young women account for the highest uptake of the long-acting HIV prevention injection, which is aimed at people who test HIV-negative and are at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.
Government says Lenacapavir provides an additional layer of protection against HIV infection and forms part of South Africa’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The first phase of the rollout is underway at 360 designated health facilities across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, North West and the Western Cape.
Government is encouraging eligible individuals, particularly those in priority populations, to visit participating health facilities to determine whether they qualify for the injection.
People who have already received their first dose are also reminded to return to their health facility after six months to receive their second injection.-
