The Gauteng Department of Health has received an additional 28,593 Lenacapavir initiation packs, the province announced, as it moves to restore access to the six-monthly, long-acting HIV prevention injection following temporary shortages at some facilities. The new stock is currently being distributed to 133 participating healthcare facilities across Gauteng, according to the department.
The replenishment comes after supplies ran low at facilities in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Sedibeng due to what the department described as exceptionally high demand following the rollout of Lenacapavir in June 2026. While many facilities still had stock available, the latest delivery is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access for eligible clients.
The latest consignment brings the total number of initiation packs received to date to 57,231 across three batches. By the end of July 2026, 17,937 eligible clients had been initiated on Lenacapavir in the province, reflecting strong public uptake, the department said.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko welcomed the response, saying the demand indicated growing awareness of HIV prevention services. "The overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir is a positive sign that more people are embracing HIV prevention services and taking charge of their health. It also demonstrates the need for innovative prevention options that are convenient, effective and responsive to people's lifestyles and circumstances," Mazibuko said.
Supply and Demand
The department attributed the temporary shortages to demand exceeding initial projections at some facilities. It acknowledged the frustration experienced by some clients but said it was working to replenish stock and ensure eligible clients could access Lenacapavir at participating facilities.
The province has been allocated sufficient stock to initiate 114,160 eligible clients between June 2026 and March 2027, with further supplies scheduled for quarterly delivery. The department said the strong uptake reflects growing awareness of HIV prevention services and residents' willingness to access interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections.
Prevention Guidelines
Health officials emphasised that Lenacapavir is intended for HIV prevention and not HIV treatment. Individuals are required to undergo HIV testing before being initiated on the injection.
Officials also reminded residents that Lenacapavir does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies. The public is encouraged to continue using condoms and access regular HIV and STI screening services. The department said Lenacapavir is designed to complement, not replace, existing prevention methods.
Programme Measures
To address the shortages and manage demand, the department said it has strengthened provincial and district stock-monitoring systems and expanded training for healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers, and data personnel. Weekly monitoring of programme implementation, clinical guidelines, and reporting systems is being conducted.
Daily oral PrEP remains an important HIV prevention option and continues to be available at public healthcare facilities across Gauteng, the department noted.
Follow-Up Schedule
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said clients who have started taking Lenacapavir must return for their follow-up appointments. Following initiation, clients are required to return for a one-month follow-up visit and thereafter every six months for subsequent injections.