Lenacapavir rollout: US-South Africa collaboration strengthens fight against HIV

The United States Mission to South Africa has hailed the arrival of the anti-HIV injection, Lenacapavir, as a testament to the power of international collaboration.

The Mission welcomed nearly 38,000 doses of the drug commonly referred to as "Len"praising American innovation for its role in advancing global public health.

The National Department of Health has already described the long-acting injection as a "game-changer" in the country’s fight against the epidemic.

The first shipment arrived in South Africa last week, with a national roll-out plan expected to be announced soon. Unlike traditional daily medication, Lenacapavir is administered just twice a year to HIV-negative individuals, providing high-level protection against infection.

South Africa made history as the first country on the continent to approve the drug, following its registration by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in October last year.

US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, emphasised that as the largest contributor to the Global Fund, the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and strengthening health systems worldwide.

The arrival of Lenacapavir demonstrates strong commercial and health partnerships between the United States and South Africa, according to Bozell.

The drug was developed by the American biotech company Gilead Sciences, which worked in close coordination with the Global Fund to secure the delivery to South African shores.

The US investment in global health remains significant, with more than $28.19 billion contributed to the Global Fund to date. This includes a further $4.6 billion pledge under the latest funding round to ensure continued progress in the sector.

Lenacapavir is widely regarded as a major breakthrough in HIV prevention. By offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), experts believe it will significantly improve adherence among at-risk groups and accelerate progress toward epidemic control.