South Africa is gearing up for a groundbreaking public health initiative: the rollout of a new HIV prevention injection. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the drug, lenacapavir, which is administered just twice a year, could potentially end the nation’s HIV epidemic within two decades. This is a monumental development for a country bearing the world’s highest HIV burden. The initial phase, funded by a multimillion-dollar grant, will target 500,000 people in high-risk districts starting in 2026. While the jab has shown 100% efficacy in preventing sexual transmission of HIV to young women, Minister Motsoaledi cautioned that the initial donated supply is limited. The long-term success of the program hinges on securing sustainable local funding and integrating the treatment into the public health system to ensure its future accessibility for all who need it.
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