The Gauteng Department of Health will on Monday begin rolling out Lenacapavir, a new, long-acting HIV prevention injection.
The medication, which is administered twice a year, is intended to help HIV-negative people who are at a high risk of infection.
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According to the department, the programme forms part of a national drive to expand prevention options and help end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the first phase will be implemented at 133 health facilities across the province, with more than 56,000 people expected to receive the injection by March next year.
“Additional stock will be supplied quarterly to ensure continuity of the programme and access to services. Phase one of the rollout will prioritise adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men, key populations including sex workers, transgender persons and people who inject drugs, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women who remain vulnerable to HIV infection.”
Puleng Maake
www.ewn.co.za
