South Africa anti-HIV jab roll-out plan: What to expect
South Africa anti-HIV jab roll-out plan is gaining momentum as the health department prepares to introduce lenacapavir (LEN), a six-monthly anti-HIV injection, at over 300 government clinics. The initiative targets areas with the highest rates of new HIV infections and aims to halt the epidemic if uptake is high.
What is Lenacapavir and how it works
Lenacapavir, in short called LEN, is a long-acting PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medicine for HIV prevention. Unlike traditional daily pills, LEN is administered twice a year and works as a capsid inhibitor, preventing HIV from entering immune cells and replicating.
Scientists believe LEN could significantly reduce new HIV infections among South African women, particularly teens and young adults, if widely adopted. Early trials in South Africa and Uganda showed near-complete protection among participants aged 16–25.
Roll-out phases and clinic coverage
The first phase of the South Africa anti-HIV jab roll-out plan runs from April 2026 to March 2028. Initially, the government will purchase the branded version from Gilead Sciences, funded by R513-million from the Global Fund for HIV, TB, and Malaria.
By April 2027, the department anticipates procuring cheaper generics, expanding access to additional clinics across South Africa. Subedar, the department’s senior technical advisor for HIV prevention, notes that high-performing clinics, especially in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, will be prioritised for early distribution.
Prioritised groups for the jab
The roll-out will focus on teen girls and young women (15–24), who account for 40% of new HIV infections in South Africa. Other high-risk groups include gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Community organisations and media campaigns, including social media and radio, will be used to raise awareness and encourage uptake among these groups.
Transition to generics and affordability
Gilead Sciences granted voluntary licences to six companies, including Dr Reddy’s, Emcure, Eva Pharma, Hetero, Ferozsons, and Mylan, to produce generics. This will allow the government to expand the HIV prevention rollout and make LEN more affordable, matching the price of daily oral PrEP.
The government aims to ensure LEN is widely available while preventing stockpiling in clinics with low demand, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum impact.
Challenges and logistical considerations
Despite its promise, the roll-out faces challenges:
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LEN must be registered by Sahpra before it can be administered.
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Funding constraints may limit coverage to 9–19% of target populations initially.
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Clinics must be supported to maintain effective delivery, especially in provinces impacted by reduced US funding.
Experts emphasise the importance of maintaining adherence, as LEN’s effectiveness relies on timely six-month injections.
Potential impact on South Africa’s HIV epidemic
Models suggest that if 2–4 million people take LEN annually, the jab could reduce new HIV infections dramatically, potentially ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2032.
This approach could overcome adherence issues faced with daily oral PrEP, offering a more practical solution for young South African women and other high-risk groups.
Collaboration with global organisations
The Gates Foundation and Unitaid are assisting local and generic manufacturers to accelerate production and distribution. Their goal is to ensure generics are available by early 2027, driving competition and reducing prices.
South Africa is expected to become the world’s largest LEN market, followed by other African nations like Zambia, Uganda, and Nigeria.
Conclusion
South Africa anti-HIV jab roll-out plan represents a major step forward in HIV prevention. With careful planning, prioritisation of high-risk groups, and support from global partners, LEN has the potential to transform HIV prevention in the country.
Young women, men in high-risk groups, and healthcare providers must stay informed about this initiative to maximise uptake and benefit from this groundbreaking anti-HIV jab.
Here are five reputable South African mainstream media outlets that have reported on the anti-HIV jab roll-out plan and related topics:
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Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism
Bhekisisa has extensively covered South Africa’s HIV prevention initiatives, including the roll-out of lenacapavir.
https://bhekisisa.org/health-news-south-africa/2025-08-27-sa-plans-anti-hiv-jab-roll-out-at-300-clinics-by-april-by-2027-the-government-will-be-buying-generics/ -
News24
News24 reported on the South African government’s acceptance of a donation for the anti-HIV jab and the planned roll-out.
https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/sa-accepts-us-donation-of-cab-la-and-will-roll-out-anti-hiv-jab-before-the-end-of-the-year-20240722 -
MedicalBrief
MedicalBrief discussed the potential impact of the anti-HIV jab on South Africa’s fight against AIDS.
https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/sas-fight-against-aids-gets-major-boost-but-theres-a-catch/ -
SowetanLIVE
SowetanLIVE reported on the Global Fund’s financing of the anti-HIV jab roll-out in South Africa.
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2025-03-05-bhekisisa-global-fund-to-finance-anti-hiv-vaccine-in-sa/ -
Daily Maverick
Daily Maverick reported on the Global Fund’s commitment to roll out the anti-HIV jab in South Africa, with or without U.S. support.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-03-04-the-global-fund-will-roll-out-the-twice-yearly-anti-hiv-jab-with-or-without-pepfar/
