Residents of Moretele, Hammanskraal and surrounding areas are set to benefit from a new long‑acting HIV prevention injection introduced by the Gauteng Department of Health.
The department began a phased rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) on 8 June at 133 healthcare facilities across the province, including clinics serving communities in Hammanskraal and Moretele. The programme forms part of a national strategy to expand HIV prevention options and support South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Lenacapavir is a long‑acting injectable form of pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV‑negative individuals at substantial risk of infection. Unlike daily oral PrEP tablets, the injection is administered once every six months, offering an alternative for those who struggle with daily adherence.
Community members have welcomed the initiative, saying it could improve uptake, particularly among young people.
“Many young people know about HIV prevention, but taking pills every day can be difficult. An injection every six months could help more people stay protected,” said Hammanskraal resident Nomsa Mokoena.
In Temba, Tumelo Maseko described the rollout as positive but raised concerns about access, noting that some residents still struggle to reach clinics regularly.
Health authorities said trained healthcare workers have been deployed and stock will be distributed in phases to ensure continuous access.
Moretele Times sought clarity on the rollout at Temba Clinic but was referred to the District Office for comment. No response had been received at the time of publication, raising concerns about delays in sharing clinic‑specific information with the community.
