New HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir rolls out in 2026, offering hope amid funding cuts

South Africa is set to roll out a new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, through the public health system in early 2026.

The injectable medication, administered just twice a year, has shown strong results in clinical trials, many of which took place in South Africa.

According to Dr Joel Steingo of TB HIV Care, this could be a breakthrough in reducing new HIV infections, especially at a time when global funding for HIV programmes is under pressure.

Steingo says Lenacapavir is targeted at individuals at high risk of exposure, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

"Lenacapavir has the potential to get the HIV epidemic back under control.

"This can almost eliminate the chances of transmission of HIV.

"It works similarly to anti-retroviral treatment drugs, which are used to treat people with HIV, but giving it to them when they are HIV negative means that we can prevent people from getting HIV, even if they are exposed via maybe sexual transmission or blood-borne infection.

"The injection is a really important option because it's discreet. It doesn't mean people are having to take a pill in front of their family where they might be judged or stigmatised."

Steingo adds that unlike many treatments, Lenacapavir can be stored at room temperature, making it more suitable for rollout in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

While public health systems will need to strengthen logistics and training for the rollout, he believes it offers renewed hope in controlling the epidemic.

To listen to Steingo in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane, use the audio player below: