Ramaphosa hails Lenacapavir rollout as 'turning point' in fight against HIV
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the rollout of Lenacapavir as a 'defining moment' in South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS, positioning the long-acting injectable as a breakthrough that could help end new infections and move the country closer to an HIV-free generation.
Speaking at the official launch in Secunda on Friday, Ramaphosa said the introduction of Lenacapavir marks a new chapter in the country’s decades-long battle against one of its most devastating public health crises.
"Today is a day of hope; the launch of Lenacapavir marks a turning point in our nation’s fight against HIV. 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."
The President emphasised that the injectable, administered twice a year, offers a practical prevention tool that reduces adherence challenges and expands access to those most at risk.
"A single injection administered twice a year can provide powerful protection against HIV infection. It reduces barriers to adherence. It expands choice. It strengthens dignity."
The rollout will begin at 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts, with government aiming to reach one million people by 2027 and three million within three years.
MOTSOALEDI WARNS AGAINST COMPLACENCY
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi warned against complacency in the fight against HIV, saying South Africans must not accept living with AIDS as inevitable.
"We are worried that as South Africans, we are starting to get used to the idea that we can live with AIDS. And we are here to say in the next eight years, we want AIDS to be history."
Motsoaledi acknowledged concerns from civil society about whether current supply levels would be sufficient to meet demand, revealing that initial doses secured through international partners will only cover a fraction of those in need.
"They've given us 900,000 doses… and because you need two doses per annum, it means it's only 400,000 people. And there's anxiety about what happens thereafter."
However, the minister sought to reassure stakeholders, announcing significant progress towards making the drug more affordable and widely accessible through generic production.
While pharmaceutical company Gilead holds the patent for Lenacapavir, Motsoaledi said the company had agreed to voluntary licensing arrangements to accelerate global access.
"They were told by civil society and experts that the world does not have 20 years to wait. And they agreed.
"They gave six voluntary licenses to six companies to start manufacturing generics, which are going to be very cheap."
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Motsoaledi further revealed that South Africa is positioning itself to become a key manufacturing hub for the drug, with strong backing from regional partners.
"If there's a South African company that can stand up and say, here we are, they will be given that voluntary license, I am reporting that to you, Lenacapavir is going to be manufactured in South Africa."
He added that efforts are already underway to fast-track generic production globally, with significant price reductions expected.
"A generic will be 700 times less than the price of the present Lenacapavir."
Motsoaledi indicated that regulatory processes are already in motion, with hopes that a cheaper generic version could be available in South Africa as early as next year, pending approval by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
"We want human beings to be safe. That's the bottom line," he said, explaining that rigorous safety checks remain essential despite the urgency to expand access.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu described the rollout as a critical intervention for a province with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country.
"This national launch of Lenacapavir represents a turning point, a breakthrough for all South Africans."
WHO, UNAIDS WELCOME LAUNCH
International partners also welcomed the launch, describing it as a globally significant milestone in HIV prevention.
World Health Organization Representative Dr Shenaaz El-Halabi said the initiative demonstrates how science and political leadership can drive progress.
"From Secunda today, South Africa sends a message to Africa and the world, ending HIV is not merely possible, it is inevitable."
UNAIDS Regional Director Anne Githuku-Shongwe cautioned that the success of the rollout will depend on addressing access barriers and reaching vulnerable populations, particularly young women and girls.
" Lenacapavir alone will not solve the problem. We must celebrate this breakthrough, but remember that we need other prevention tools around it."
Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, stressing that Lenacapavir is not a silver bullet but part of a broader prevention strategy.
"Success will still depend on education on ending stigma and discrimination."
Backed by a R1.3 billion funding partnership between government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the rollout represents one of the most ambitious HIV prevention initiatives in recent years.
As South Africa continues to lead one of the world’s largest HIV treatment programmes, the introduction of Lenacapavir signals a renewed push to reduce infections and protect future generations.
"Together, we can protect a generation. Together, we can end new HIV infections. Together, we can end AIDS as a public health threat," Ramaphosa said.
The Secunda launch is expected to pave the way for a phased national rollout, with a strong focus on accessibility, affordability, and long-term sustainability.
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