The Eastern Cape has taken another important step in strengthening its HIV prevention response with the provincial launch of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option administered once every six months.
The launch, coordinated by the Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC) in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, took place at George Botha Community Hall in KwaNoxolo, Nelson Mandela Bay recently. The initiative aims to expand access to HIV prevention and provide communities with additional options to protect themselves against HIV infection.
Speaking at the launch, Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa emphasised that the introduction of Lenacapavir is fundamentally about empowering people through choice and improving access to healthcare, “Lenacapavir does not replace condoms. It does not replace oral PrEP. It expands choice.” said Capa.
Lenacapavir offers an alternative for people who may experience challenges with taking oral PrEP daily. Its six-monthly administration provides a longer-acting prevention option, supporting efforts to improve adherence and make HIV prevention more accessible to communities.
The Eastern Cape is among the provinces prioritised for the first phase of the national rollout. Implementation is already underway in the province, demonstrating progress towards expanding the availability of this additional prevention option. By 30 June 2026, a total of 1,427 clients had been initiated on Lenacapavir across 49 facilities in Alfred Nzo, Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay and OR Tambo. Nelson Mandela Bay accounted for 316 clients across 13 facilities.
The provincial programme focuses on expanding prevention choices, reaching populations at increased risk of acquiring HIV and strengthening community engagement. Particular attention is given to adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding women, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV.
The launch also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between government, healthcare professionals, civil society, community representatives and other stakeholders. This coordinated approach is essential to raising awareness about injectable PrEP, addressing misinformation and stigma, and ensuring that communities can make informed decisions about their health.
As part of the event, residents had access to a wide range of services through the Department’s Services on Wheels initiative which included HIV testing, tuberculosis screening, sexually transmitted infection screening and management, PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), contraceptive services, pregnancy testing, condom distribution, eye care, dental care and cervical cancer screening.
The initiative reflects the Department’s continued commitment to a community-centred approach to healthcare, where prevention, education and access to services remain key priorities. Through the provincial launch of Lenacapavir, the Eastern Cape continues to strengthen its HIV prevention efforts by expanding available options, improving access to services and working with communities and partners towards a healthier province.
