SOUTH AFRICA: SIX-MONTHLY HIV PREVENTION INJECTION EXPANDS South Africa’s rollout of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection given every six months, continues to expand. The National Department of Health reported that 55,123 people had started lenacapavir by 7 September 2026, across 360 public health facilities in 24 districts and six provinces. In a later update provided directly to Spotlight, Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said 76,922 people had initiated lenacapavir nationally by 8 October, including 36,733 in Gauteng. Lenacapavir is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP for eligible HIV-negative people. It helps prevent HIV; it is not a vaccine or treatment for people living with HIV. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Speak with a healthcare professional about eligibility and available prevention options. On 11 November, UNAIDS published implementation guidance for countries introducing lenacapavir, emphasising health-system readiness, supply, financing and community priorities. Sources: South African National Department of Health, 8 September 2026; Spotlight Christina Pitt, quoting Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale , 23 October 2026; UNAIDS, 11 November 2026. https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/health-reports-progress-lenacapavir-hiv-prevention-programme-08-sep-2026 https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/10/23/how-nurses-are-learning-to-administer-the-new-hiv-prevention-injection/ https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2026/20261111 LEN Introduction guide Infogaytion LGBTQNews HIVPrevention Lenacapavir PrEP SouthAfrica
South Africa's six-monthly HIV prevention injection reaches nearly 77,000 people
The Health Department reported 55,123 initiations by 7 September. A later update put the figure at 76,922 by 8 October.