South Africa Launches National Rollout of Lenacapavir to Accelerate HIV Prevention

South Africa has taken a significant step forward in the global HIV response with the launch of its national rollout of lenacapavir, a long‑acting HIV prevention innovation with the potential to transform how prevention is delivered at scale.

The launch event, held in Mpumalanga and led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, brought together senior government officials, global health partners, civil society leaders, and representatives from across the HIV response ecosystem. The event marked not only the introduction of a new prevention tool, but a strong signal of South Africa’s continued leadership in confronting HIV and accelerating progress toward epidemic control.

South Africa has long played a central role in the global HIV response, scaling treatment access and saving millions of lives. The introduction of lenacapavir marks the next phase of that leadership: a shift toward prevention at scale. With just one injection every six months, lenacapavir has the potential to overcome longstanding barriers to adherence and access, offering a discreet, effective option for people at high risk of HIV infection.

Miles Kemplay, Executive Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at CIFF, attended the launch event to talk about the potential that lenacapavir has to safeguard communities against the epidemic and help to create the conditions necessary for children to grow up healthier, more secure, and better able to thrive.

The importance of this progress extends far beyond individual health outcomes. HIV continues to shape the stability of families, communities, and health systems. When prevention is not consistent or accessible, the consequences can include increased strain on caregivers, disrupted households, and long-term impacts on children, whose lives are often shaped by illness, economic instability, and loss.

By contrast, accelerating access to prevention tools like lenacapavir can reduce new infections, ease pressure on health systems, and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. Fewer infections mean fewer families disrupted, fewer children growing up in environments shaped by uncertainty, and greater opportunities for children to thrive.

The rollout reflects strong collaboration between the Government of South Africa, the Global Fund, CIFF, and a broad coalition of partners. It demonstrates how country leadership, aligned financing, and partnership can come together to translate innovation into real-world impact.

With sustained investment and a continued focus on reaching those most at risk, South Africa’s approach has the potential not only to change the trajectory of the epidemic domestically, but to set a precedent for the entire region.

Read more in our case study: https://ciff.org/lenacapavir/