SA Makes History with First African Approval of Anti-HIV Jab

A world first for Africa, and a potential gamechanger in the fight against HIV. South Africa has become the first African country to register lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection that offers almost full-proof protection against infection. Approved by Sahpra in record time, just 65 days the jab has already cleared regulators in the US and Europe. It’s expected to be rolled out locally as early as February next year. Sahpra CEO Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela hailed the approval as a “major step forward” in curbing new infections.

Reporting by Bekisisa Centre for Journalism.

To unpack what this means for prevention and access, Phemelo speaks to Dr Katherine Gill from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation.