South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hailed on December 1st the approval of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection, as a transformative development for the country’s fight against HIV.
He made this statement during World AIDS Day at Ga-Masemola Stadium in Limpopo on Monday. The injectable provides six months of protection with just two doses per year, offering a practical solution for individuals unable to adhere to daily pill regimens. SAHPRA’s regulatory readiness in October makes South Africa the first African nation and third globally to register lenacapavir, marking a significant step for marginalised communities, including young women and key populations facing stigma.
Deputy President Mashatile emphasised the urgency of rapid access to life-saving tools, cautioning against repeating past delays experienced during the early antiretroviral therapy era. He described lenacapavir as more than a drug, framing it as a symbol of progress achievable when science, political will, and community demand converge. The government also highlighted efforts to close the treatment gap for 1.1 million individuals, particularly those who have faced barriers due to transport, stigma, or mobility between provinces, through initiatives such as the “Close the Gap” Treatment Acceleration Campaign.
South Africa continues to strengthen HIV testing, treatment, and prevention through community-led programmes and structural reforms aimed at dismantling stigma for vulnerable groups, including women, girls, sex workers, people who use drugs, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Mashatile framed World AIDS Day as a moment to celebrate progress while reinforcing commitment to ending the epidemic, leveraging innovations, compassion, and coordinated multi-sectoral efforts. The announcement coincides with international initiatives such as the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment Summit, which seeks US$18 billion to support HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria responses globally.