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South Africa: Unpacking the HIV Jab That Could Dramatically Reduce New Infections
The rollout targets about 500,000 people at 360 clinics as South Africa expands access to a six-monthly HIV prevention shot.
- On Friday, June 5, 2026, South Africa began rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, at public sector clinics across the country.
- Studies found the antiretroviral drug nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV, prompting Science to name it a 2024 "breakthrough." Safety trials included adolescents aged 16 and 17 and pregnant women.
- Before receiving the injection, users must test negative for HIV and take lenacapavir tablets for two days. The drug forms a depot under the skin, releasing medication slowly over six months.
- The initial rollout targets around half a million people at 360 clinics in high-infection areas, addressing South Africa's epidemic where annual new infections remain stubbornly high at more than 140,000.
- South Africa plans to scale up access in coming years, targeting prices of no more than $40 per person annually through generic manufacturers. Gilead issued licenses to six companies for global production.
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South Africa: Unpacking the HIV Jab That Could Dramatically Reduce New Infections
On 5 June 2026, an HIV prevention injection will for the first time become available at some of South Africa's public sector clinics. In this Spotlight special briefing, we pull together all you need to know about this 'breakthrough' jab.
·South Africa
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Ramaphosa launches Lenacapavir, South Africa's new HIV injection
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday launched the national rollout of a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, Cape {town} Etc reports. According to a Presidency update on X, the launch took place at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga, a moment South Africa’s health sector has been building towards since the drug’s local approval in October 2025. #Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable option for HIV prevention. Its rollout marks a si…
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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