21 November 2025

South Africa remains at the epicentre of the HIV epidemic, but a game-changing tool is coming. Lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, has been approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) — a major step toward making it available in public clinics from April 2026. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is a long-acting antiretroviral that provides six months of protection against HIV with a single injection. Clinical trials have shown it to be among the most effective prevention options available, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to daily PrEP pills. Its long-acting nature could overcome many of the adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP, making it especially valuable for young people and key populations who face barriers to consistent pill-taking. The South African government, with R520 million in Global Fund support, plans to begin a phase-one rollout across 23 high-incidence districts in six provinces, targeting around 360 clinics and up to 456,000 people in the first two years. Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi affirmed the government’s commitment to make lenacapavir “a public good — accessible, affordable, and locally produced.” With many years of experience in PrEP delivery, key population programming, and health systems strengthening, Anova Health Institute looks forward to supporting the rollout of this breakthrough prevention tool and ensuring equitable access for those who need it most. Header image: © Gilead Sciences

We are proud to share that Dr. Kate Rees, Public Health Specialist at Anova, co-chaired the 12th SA AIDS Conference together with Dr. Candice Chetty from HE²RO. Held under the theme “Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS”, the conference brought together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics, and advocates from around the world to reflect on the evolving landscape of HIV care and prevention. With the introduction of South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI), the emergence of long-acting therapies, and shifting global political dynamics, this year’s gathering came at a pivotal moment in the HIV response. In addition to Dr. Rees’s leadership role, Anova had a strong scientific presence, with staff and collaborators presenting on diverse aspects of HIV prevention, treatment, and health systems innovation, including: Collaboration framework for working with traditional healer practitioners (THPs) in HIV services — Cathrine Chinyandura Using co-creation to develop a paediatric case management toolkit: description of an intersectoral process — Dr. Carol Tait Breaking barriers: Integrating HIV testing services into men’s daily routines to enhance testing uptake in Johannesburg Health District — Norma Tshabalala Higher viral suppression rates in a cohort of patients initiated on ART via index testing in Sedibeng district — Chipo Mutyambizi, PhD Programmatic description of PrEP service linkage to HIV-uninfected pregnant women in Cape Town Metropole facilities — Cristal Solomons Breaking down mental health care barriers to promote SRH service utilization amongst adolescent girls and young women in rural communities — Enock Zibengwa, PhD Anova staff also contributed more than 11 additional posters, covering a wide range of topics and highlighting the organisation’s technical expertise and collaborative approach.