Eswatini first in Africa to receive injectable Prep
By Delisa Magagula
Eswatini on Tuesday became the first African country to receive lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.
The shipment, delivered to the Matsapha Central Medical Stores, marks a milestone for the country.
The consignment was officially received by Minister for Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala, representing the Minister for Health Mduduzi Matsebula. Maphalala confirmed that the national rollout will begin on December 1 at Hhukwini Inkhundla.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, has shown near-total protection in clinical studies. The injection is administered once every six months and forms part of a wider prevention programme supported by PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Ten high-risk African countries have been identified for the first-phase rollout.
Daniel O’Day, the chair and CEO of Gilead Sciences, speaking on international news said the Eswatini rollout was significant because it is the first time in history that a new HIV medicine is reaching a country in sub-Saharan Africa in the same year as approval in the United States. The U.S. authorised the drug in June.
“The first phase will target populations defined in the National HIV Strategic Framework, including adolescent girls and young women, women aged 25 to 34, pregnant and breastfeeding women, key populations, high-risk men and HIV-negative individuals seeking a long-acting HIV prevention option,” said Maphalala when receiving the jabs
Noteworthy HIV remains one of Eswatini’s leading public health challenges. National data shows adult HIV prevalence remains above 25 per cent, while adolescent girls and young women continue to face the highest risk of new infections. PrEP uptake has grown in recent years, with more than 40,000 people having initiated oral PrEP, but adherence challenges persist.
CANGO, which is coordinating civil society participation in the rollout, said the arrival of the injection strengthens the prevention toolkit.
“This development comes at an important time for populations that experience difficulties using daily medication,” said CANGO management.
The Global Fund, the main financier of the programme, commended Eswatini for its readiness during recent oversight visits. Delegates highlighted collaboration between the Ministry of Health, NERCHA, CANGO and implementing partners as exemplary.
“With twice-yearly dosing, lenacapavir provides an option that reduces adherence challenges for priority groups,” said Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands during the handover of the jabs in Matsapha.
The Ministry said additional health worker training is underway to ensure smooth implementation. Further consignments are expected in the coming months as Eswatini expands access to more facilities.
