Lenacapavir could transform HIV prevention in rural communities: Bhekisisa
The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism reports that the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, could significantly improve access for rural South African patients. The drug will be provided for free at public health facilities, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.
Why it matters
Long-acting injectable treatments represent a major shift in public health strategy, potentially increasing adherence and reducing transmission rates in underserved areas.
Updated Oct. 8, 2026, 11:30 a.m. | By Newswatch
Bhekisisa says Lenacapavir’s six-month dosing schedule could reduce the number of trips rural patients need to make to clinics.
The Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism says the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection lenacapavir (LEN) could make it easier for people in rural communities to access preventative treatment.
The institution is hosting a workshop for journalists in Sandton on the progress of South Africa’s lenacapavir rollout and the challenges emerging along the way.
The centre's Saiqa Mulick says because lenacapavir is administered once every six months, people in rural areas won’t need to make frequent trips to healthcare facilities.
“You don't have to come so often to the health facility, and in many of the rural areas, the distances can be quite long to actually get to the clinic.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in