Describing it as an “historic turning point in South Africa’s national healthcare”, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday officially launched the long-acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, in Secunda.  

He revealed that 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts were fully prepared to administer the groundbreaking intervention.

He described Lenacapavir as more than just a medication, calling it one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART).

“To us, Lenacapavir is not just a medicine or a drug; to us it represents a major turning point in South Africa's national story,” Ramaphosa said. “It represents the triumph of science over despair. It represents the power of innovation to save lives. And above all, it represents hope.”

The revolutionary treatment requires only a single injection administered twice a year, providing powerful protection against HIV infection. Ramaphosa explained that this practical intervention would transform lives by dramatically reducing the barrier of daily adherence associated with traditional oral medication.

South Africa has set targets for the rollout of the injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The government aims to reach close to one-million people by the end of 2027, with a broader goal of reaching three-million citizens over the next three years.

“It is a nation-building target. Every HIV infection prevented is a life protected. A family preserved. A future secured,” he said.

To ensure the injection is accessible to all, government has partnered with the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). Together with State funding, this investment will contribute R1.3-billion toward the national rollout.

The President reiterated South Africa’s stance that lifesaving medicines must not be reserved for the wealthy. He affirmed the country's commitment to expanding access through affordable generic medicines, technology transfer, and local manufacturing.

This strategy aligns with the African Union’s broader goal to produce 60% of the continent’s health products locally by 2040.

Ramaphosa noted that health security was inherently linked to economic development, stating that local manufacturing capacity was essential to national sovereignty, resilience, and prosperity.

While celebrating the breakthrough, Ramaphosa cautioned that Lenacapavir was not a silver bullet, but rather a powerful addition to the country's existing arsenal in the fight against HIV.

The injection is designed to complement existing strategies, including regular HIV testing, Oral PrEP and treatment as prevention, condom distribution, voluntary male medical circumcision, and behavioural interventions.

Ramaphosa stressed that final success still depended on continuous public education, personal responsibility, and ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV.

While he acknowledged the effect of the HIV epidemic on South African society, he praised the resilience that allowed the country to build the largest HIV treatment programme in the world.

“South Africa has never been a passive observer in the global HIV response. We have been leaders. We have been innovators. We have been advocates for justice and equity. Today, we lead once again,” Ramaphosa said.