AWPCAB: Lenacapavir Launch Celebrated, But Provincial Omissions Threaten Vulnerable Communities

The African Women Prevention Community  Accountability Board (AWPCAB) has joined global health advocates in celebrating the landmark launch of Lenacapavir in South Africa. While this long-acting HIV prevention drug represents a monumental shift in the HIV response, the AWPCAB is raising critical concerns regarding the equity and accessibility of the current government rollout strategy.

A major flaw in the initial implementation plan is the complete omission of three major South African provinces. This structural gap creates a significant barrier, severely limiting the ability of vulnerable communities in these regions to access this life-changing prevention tool. True progress cannot be achieved if geographic disparities dictate who receives life-saving healthcare.

The AWPCAB urges health authorities to urgently revise the rollout strategy to ensure comprehensive, nationwide access that leaves no one behind.

Read the AWPCAB’s full, comprehensive response and analysis here.