Yasmin Bilal
The launch of Lenacapavir marks a major turning point in South Africa’s fight against HIV, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
Speaking in Secunda, Mpumalanga, at the rollout of the new prevention drug, Ramaphosa said it represents scientific progress and renewed hope in ending new infections.
“Today is a day of hope. It is a day that reminds us how far we have travelled as a nation, and how far humanity has come in confronting one of the greatest public health challenges of our time,” he said.
Ramaphosa linked the moment to former president Nelson Mandela’s 2000 address at the International AIDS Conference in Durban.
“Twenty-six years ago, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela stood before the world… and challenged humanity to rise above fear, denial and division. At the time, millions faced what he described as an ‘inevitable death sentence’. He dared to imagine a generation free from HIV and AIDS,” Ramaphosa said.
Lenacapavir, he said, represents a major scientific breakthrough in HIV prevention.
“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. It represents a major turning point in South Africa’s national story.”
He said the drug brings hope to those most at risk.
“Hope for young women who continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Hope for families and communities that have lived through decades of loss,” he said.
South Africa carries a heavy burden from the epidemic, but it has also led to a strong global response.
“We have buried too many mothers and fathers… The HIV epidemic has left scars on our society,” he said.
“Yet it is also true that few countries have responded with the courage, resilience and determination that South Africa has shown.”
Ramaphosa said the country built the world’s largest HIV treatment programme and pushed for access to affordable medicines.
“Together, we demonstrated that when government, communities, scientists, activists and international partners work together, lives can be saved,” he said.
On Lenacapavir, he said the drug offers long-acting protection.
“A single injection administered twice a year can provide powerful protection against HIV infection,” he said.
He said the rollout will take place at 360 public health facilities across six provinces and 24 high-burden districts.
“Our ambition is bold. By the end of 2027, we aim to reach close to one million people. Over the next three years, we aim to reach three million people,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the programme is supported by partners including the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, contributing about R1.3 billion. However, prevention tools must remain accessible.
“Scientific breakthroughs only change lives when they are accessible to all,” he said.
Cautioning that the drug is not a standalone solution, he described Lenacapavir as “one more powerful tool in our arsenal” and said it is “not a silver bullet.”
He urged continued use of existing prevention methods and called on people to “take advantage of the prevention options available… make informed choices… protect yourselves and one another.”
Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
“Together, we can end new HIV infections. Together, we can end AIDS as a public health threat,” he said.