President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, during a national event held in Secunda on Friday, 5 June 2026.
During his address, President Ramaphosa cautioned that Lenacapavir should not be viewed as a single solution to the HIV epidemic.
He described the twice-yearly injection as an important addition to South Africa's HIV prevention toolkit, but stressed that it must be used alongside other prevention measures.
"Lenacapavir complements HIV testing, oral PrEP, treatment as prevention, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision and behavioral interventions," said Ramaphosa.
The President said the success of the programme would depend not only on access to the medication, but also on education, personal responsibility and continued efforts to combat stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.
He encouraged healthcare workers, parents, community leaders and young people to play an active role in supporting HIV prevention efforts and helping to raise awareness.
Ramaphosa also welcomed partnerships between government, the Global Fund and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, noting that the collaboration is expected to contribute approximately R1.3 billion towards the rollout of Lenacapavir in South Africa.
He said the partnership reflects South Africa's commitment to ensuring that lifesaving medicines are available to everyone who needs them, rather than remaining accessible only to a privileged few.
The President highlighted the country's continued commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and emphasized the importance of making new prevention options available to those who need them most.