The Western Cape lenacapavir rollout delivered 2,339 injections during its first seven weeks, with almost 88% going to people who had not previously used oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The provincial Department of Health and Wellness said the early figures show that the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection may reach residents who found daily medication difficult or had not selected a PrEP option before.
Most Recipients Were not Using Oral PrEP
Healthcare workers administered the injections at 22 public health facilities in high-HIV-burden communities across the Cape Town metro between 8 June and 24 July 2026.
Of the 2,339 administrations, 2,049, or 87.6%, involved people who were not previously taking oral PrEP, according to the Western Cape Government.
Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger said the figures showed the value of offering people different HIV prevention methods.
“What is particularly encouraging about these early results is that almost 88% of people receiving lenacapavir are new to PrEP,” Wenger said.
The Western Cape lenacapavir rollout also included 162 pregnant women who started the medicine. A further seven antenatal patients switched from oral PrEP to injectable PrEP.
Nolungile Community Day Centre recorded the highest uptake, with 192 administrations. Khayelitsha Site B Community Health Centre followed with 186, while Phumlani Clinic administered 182 injections.
Rollout Targets People at Greater HIV Risk
The first phase prioritised adolescent girls and young women, women of reproductive age, pregnant and breastfeeding women and other groups at increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral prevention medicine administered every six months. It is not an HIV vaccine and does not replace protection against other sexually transmitted infections.
SAHPRA registered lenacapavir in October 2025 for HIV-negative adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg who face a risk of HIV infection. Treatment begins with an injection and oral tablets on the first two days.
The National Department of Health received the country’s first batch of 37,920 doses in April 2026. It later planned an initial national rollout through 360 facilities in high-burden districts.
Supply and Access
The Western Cape expected another lenacapavir consignment during the first week of August, subject to post-importation quality testing.
Until more stock arrives, the province said it would manage available supplies while continuing to provide oral PrEP, condoms, HIV testing, counselling and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Residents can ask healthcare workers at participating clinics whether they qualify for the Western Cape lenacapavir rollout or another HIV prevention option.