APHA Welcomes First Shipment of Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injectable; Calls for Urgent, Equitable Rollout Across South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa — 8 April 2026

Advocates for the Prevention of HIV in Africa (APHA ) welcomes the news that South Africa’s first consignment of long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention has arrived in the country. A twice-yearly injectable option has the potential to expand HIV prevention choices and support people who struggle to take a daily pill consistently.

APHA also calls on government and partners to match this moment with urgency and clarity—so that the promise of long-acting prevention becomes a lived reality, especially for adolescents and young adults who face the highest risk and the greatest barriers to daily pill-taking. Communities and frontline providers need clear, consistent information on how many doses are available, who will be prioritised first, and when services will start.

APHA calls for the rollout to be:

• ⁠Equitable, prioritising people and districts with the highest HIV incidence, including adolescent girls and young women, Pregnant and breastfeeding women , LGBTQIA+ communities, sex workers, migrants, and other groups facing elevated risk and barriers to services.

• Transparent, with public reporting on delivery timelines, dose allocations, and any shortfalls—so expectations are realistic and trust is protected.

• ⁠Clinically and operationally ready, ensuring clinics have trained staff, counselling tools, consent and follow-up systems, and adequate privacy before first injections begin.

• ⁠Integrated into a broader prevention package, including condoms, STI services, PEP, oral PrEP, CABLA , RINGS , harm reduction where relevant, and HIV testing options that are accessible and non-judgmental.

• Future-proofed, by investing in local laboratory accreditation and regulatory capacity so that product quality checks and related testing can be done in South Africa over time.

• Community-led, with meaningful engagement of civil society and community health workers on demand creation, user education, and feedback mechanisms.

“Lenacapavir can be a game-changer for prevention—if it is delivered reliably, offered respectfully, and made available first to the people who need it most,” said Yvette Raphael Executive Director of APHA . “We urge the Department of Health and partners to communicate timelines clearly and to move with urgency so that delays do not translate into missed opportunities to prevent new infections.”

“Lenacapavir is not a silver bullet; it strengthens existing HIV prevention options. The priority now is avoiding further health-system delays so rollout is timely and effective. As APHA, we are ready to mobilise and drive uptake of Len and other prevention products.” Ntando Yola.

This milestone should be celebrated—but it must be followed by fast, fair rollout. Lenacapavir is not a silver bullet; it strengthens a wider prevention toolbox. The real test now is whether the health system can move quickly, prevent bottlenecks, and ensure young people in every province can access the service without stigma, judgement, or unnecessary delays. As APHA, we are ready to mobilise communities and support demand creation for lenacapavir and other HIV prevention options.“For many of us, lenacapavir long-acting feels like a game-changer for HIV prevention—especially for teens and young adults in high-incidence communities. It means stronger, more reliable protection for young people. That’s why it’s disheartening when provinces like Limpopo are not prioritised for rollout due to issues beyond our control.” — Jordy, young prevention advocate, Limpopo. Young people welcome lenacapavir: “Give us access, no questions asked.”

Across the country, young people are celebrating this milestone—and calling for a rollout that matches the urgency of their lives, protects dignity, and reaches every province.

• ⁠This is a moment of pride—and a moment for action. APHA celebrates the progress that has brought lenacapavir to South Africa, and we call for rapid implementation so that young people can benefit first and fully. We stand ready to support community education and demand-creation efforts, and to work with government and partners to ensure the rollout protects dignity, strengthens choice, and reaches those most at risk. Ask for PrEP information and request an option that fits your life (oral PrEP, CAB-LA, and lenacapavir).

• ⁠Insist on respectful, private services—you deserve care without stigma, judgement, or “extra” questions.

• ⁠Bring a friend or peer supporter if it helps you feel safe and confident at the clinic.

• Share what’s working and what isn’t with youth groups and community organisations so barriers are documented and fixed.

• Keep using combination prevention (condoms, STI screening, and regular HIV testing) while access expands.