Ramaphosa hails HIV prevention breakthrough as SA eyes local production

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir as a turning point in South Africa’s fight against HIV and AIDS, as government moves to secure local production of the breakthrough medicine.

Speaking at the national rollout launch at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Friday, Ramaphosa said the drug represents one of the most significant scientific advances since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment.

“It represents the triumph of science over despair. It represents the power of innovation to save lives. And above all, it represents the hope that Madiba spoke about for women who continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection and for families and communities that have lived through decades of loss,” said Ramaphosa.

Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced at the event that US pharmaceutical giant, Gilead Sciences, has⁠ indicated that it is prepared to grant a voluntary manufacturing licence to a South African company to produce Lenacapivir.

He said government had pushed for local production, noting that South Africa is expected to become one of the world’s biggest users of the drug.

“We told Gilead that South Africa, as you know, is going to be the world’s biggest consumer of Lenacapavir, and we told Gilead that we also deserve a licence,” he said. “I can tell you without any equivocation or fear of contradiction, Gilead has just informed us, if there’s a South African company that can stand up and say, ‘here we are’, they will be given that voluntary licence,” the minister added. 

The South African manufacturer could be among up to six companies, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, set to produce and distribute low-cost versions of the injection, once approval is granted.

Motsoaledi also said cheaper generic versions could be available in South Africa as early as next year, adding that international agreements involving manufacturers in India could significantly reduce costs.

“They agreed with Dr Reddy’s that they must produce a generic and help them financially such that the price of that generic will be 700 times less than the price of the present Lenacapavir,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President welcomed partnerships between government, the Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which have committed R1.3 billion towards the rollout.

“One day, future generations will look back on this period and say that this was the moment when humanity finally gained the upper hand against HIV,” Ramaphosa said.

At a time when millions faced what seemed an inevitable death sentence, Madiba dared to imagine something different. He dared to imagine a generation free from HIV and AIDS.

He reminded us that victory would require focus, strategy, solidarity and perseverance.…

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 5, 2026