The Eastern Cape has called on residents, particularly young people and sex workers, to access a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, as the province steps up efforts to curb new infections and eliminate cervical cancer.
The call follows the official launch of the Lenacapavir HIV Prevention and Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy in KwaNoxolo, Nelson Mandela Bay, by provincial Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa.
The strategy, which is being implemented across the province, focuses on expanding access to HIV prevention, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical cancer screening and timely treatment.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention medicine administered by injection twice a year, approximately six months apart, by a healthcare provider. It offers an additional prevention option for people who may be at risk of acquiring HIV and forms part of South Africa’s broader combination HIV prevention programme.
“We are inviting everyone to come and test. If you are HIV-negative, then we will give you the injection. It is a landmark process that can help the country manage HIV infection,” Capa said.
She said the province has already initiated approximately 3 500 people on lenacapavir and encouraging more eligible residents to access the medicine at designated health facilities.
“It is groundbreaking for us because now you are no longer going to take tablets every day. You can come to us, get an injection and then come back after six months. So twice a year, you take an injection,” the MEC said.
Capa said young people and sex workers are among the groups being encouraged to consider the prevention option, adding that the province has sufficient doses available at the time of the launch.
She noted that lenacapavir is expensive, but donor support has helped make the rollout possible. The continued availability of doses will inform the pace of the programme.
The MEC also encouraged residents to use the health services available at public facilities, including HIV and tuberculosis testing, and cervical cancer screening.
“We are telling people that it is out there. Go to our facilities. We do have a list of facilities that are rendering this service,” Capa said.
Capa also urged men, in particular, to make greater use of healthcare services, noting that the department has created safe spaces where they can discuss health concerns with other men.
She said the long-acting injection could help address challenges associated with taking daily oral prevention medication, although lenacapavir is intended for HIV prevention and is not a treatment for people already living with HIV.
Speaking at the recent launch, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye, emphasised the importance of effectively implementing the strategy to ensure that communities benefit from the interventions.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention medicine administered by injection twice a year, approximately six months apart, by a healthcare provider. It offers an additional prevention option for people who may be at risk of acquiring HIV and forms part of South Africa’s broader combination HIV prevention programme.
Buyeye stressed that lenacapavir is a prevention medicine, not a vaccine or a treatment for people living with HIV.
“Residents should consult healthcare professionals to establish their eligibility and access the appropriate prevention services. Guidance confirms that Lenacapavir is being offered alongside other HIV prevention options, including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP),” Buyeye said.
He committed the municipality to working closely with the provincial government to turn this groundbreaking strategy into a reality, where lives will be saved and a healthier Nelson Mandela Bay citizenry can be achieved.
However, Buyeye warned that the introduction of the initiatives does not negate the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking appropriate measures to prevent HIV infection.
He encouraged residents to make informed health decisions, undergo regular HIV testing and counselling, and consult healthcare professionals about available prevention options.
Buyeye also welcomed the focus on women’s health through the Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, emphasising the importance of prevention, regular screening, and early intervention.
“For all these deliverables within the strategy to succeed, it is important that residents go for regular health check-ups and screening to ensure that potential health problems are detected early,” he said.
The National Department of Health’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.
Key interventions include human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for eligible girls, cervical cancer screening for women, and timely treatment for those diagnosed with precancerous changes or cervical cancer.
The municipality encouraged residents to use public healthcare services for screening and seek medical advice even when they have no symptoms.
HPV vaccination is an important preventive measure, while screening helps identify cervical changes before they develop into cancer. Women living with HIV should pay particular attention to recommended screening and follow-up, as they face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the municipality will use intergovernmental relations and the District Development Model (DDM) to support the successful implementation of the strategy, and ensure that the people of Nelson Mandela Bay benefit from the initiatives.
“We commit to supporting the Department of Health as it rolls out this strategy. For it to succeed, it is important that we ensure our clinics function properly through efficient municipal services,” Lobishe said.
She said the municipality’s support will include continued cooperation with the provincial government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen local health outcomes.
Reliable municipal services, including water, sanitation, waste management and a clean public environment, remain important in creating conditions that support effective healthcare delivery.
The municipality called on residents to take responsibility for their health by using available healthcare services, participating in prevention and screening programmes, and following the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
Through cooperation between government, healthcare workers, communities and other stakeholders, the initiative seeks to strengthen prevention, promote early detection and improve health outcomes across Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
