SPOTLIGHT: Unpacking the HIV jab that could dramatically reduce new infections
A new long-acting HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, will be available in South Africa starting June 5, 2026. This jab aims to significantly reduce new infections, which remain high despite existing prevention methods. The introduction of lenacapavir represents a promising advancement in the fight against HIV in the country.
- ▪Lenacapavir will be available to about half a million people in South Africa in June 2026.
- ▪South Africa still sees more than 140,000 new HIV infections annually.
- ▪The jab offers a long-acting solution, providing protection for six months.
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SPOTLIGHT Unpacking the HIV jab that could dramatically reduce new infections On 5 June 2026, an HIV prevention injection will for the first time become available at some of South Africa’s public sector clinics. In this Spotlight special briefing, we pull together all you need to know about this ‘breakthrough’ jab. By Marcus Low and Elri Voigt for Spotlight 3 Jun 2026 The long-acting HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, will become available to about half a million people in South Africa in June. (Photo: Unsplash) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper We’ve come a long way from the worst days of South Africa’s HIV epidemic, but the virus still claims more than 50,000 lives per year and, even in 2026, annual new infections remain stubbornly high at more than 140,000.
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