President Cyril Ramaphosa: Launch of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa, Secunda

Programme Director,
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla,
Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu,
Executive Mayor of the Gert Sibande District, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu,
Co-Chairperson of SANAC,Mr. Solly Nduku,
Chief Executive of Gilead Sciences, Mr Daniel O'Day,
Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands,
International Development partners,
UNITAID, WHO, UNAIDS, Children Investment Funds Foundation,
Partners from labour, civil society and business,
Distinguished guests,
Fellow South Africans,

Today is a day of hope.

It is a day that reminds us how far we have travelled as a nation, and how far humanity has come in confronting one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.

Twenty-six years ago, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela stood before the world at the International AIDS Conference in Durban and challenged humanity to rise above fear, denial and division.

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.

Today, as we gather here in Secunda, we honour that vision. Today, we take another decisive step towards making it a reality.

The launch of Lenacapavir marks a turning point in our nation's fight against HIV.

To us, Lenacapavir is not just a medicine or a drug; to us it represents a major turning point in South Africa's national story.

It represents one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs since the advent 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 hope.

Hope for young women who continue to face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Hope for families and communities that have lived through decades of loss. Hope for a generation that may one day know HIV not as a threat, but as a chapter in history.

Fellow South Africans,

Few countries have carried the burden of HIV as heavily as South Africa.

We have buried too many mothers and fathers. Too many sons and daughters. Too many teachers, workers, healthcare professionals and community leaders.

The HIV epidemic has left scars on our society that can never be fully erased. Yet it is also true that few countries have responded with the courage, resilience and determination that South Africa has shown.

Together, we built the largest HIV treatment programme in the world. Together, we fought for affordable medicines. Together, we challenged stigma and discrimination. Together, we demonstrated that when government, communities, scientists, activists and international partners work together, lives can be saved.

South Africa has never been a passive observer in the global HIV response.

We have been leaders. We have been innovators. We have been advocates for justice and equity.

Today, we lead once again.

Lenacapavir gives us an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen HIV prevention.

A single injection administered twice a year can provide powerful protection against HIV infection.

This is not merely a medical advance. It is a practical intervention that can transform lives. It reduces barriers to adherence. It expands choice. It strengthens dignity. And it empowers people to take control of their health and their future.

As we launch this programme, 360 public health facilities across six provinces and twenty-four high-burden districts stand ready to provide this groundbreaking intervention.

Our ambition is bold.

By the end of 2027, we aim to reach close to one million people. Over the next three years, we aim to reach three million people.

This is not simply a health target. It is a nation-building target.

Every HIV infection prevented is a life protected. A family preserved. A future secured.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Scientific breakthroughs only change lives when they are accessible to all.

That is why we welcome the partnership between the South African Government, the Global Fund and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation.

Together with government funding, this catalytic investment will contribute R1.3 billion towards the rollout of Lenacapavir.

This partnership reflects a principle that South Africa has consistently championed: that lifesaving medicines must not be a privilege reserved for a few.

They must be available to all who need them.

We therefore remain committed to expanding access through affordable generic medicines, technology transfer and local manufacturing.

As Africa pursues the African Union goal of producing sixty percent of the continent's health products by 2040, South Africa will continue to support the development of a vibrant African pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

Health security can no longer be separated from economic development.

The capacity to develop, manufacture and distribute medicines is essential to our sovereignty, our resilience and our prosperity.

Fellow South Africans,

Let us be clear. Lenacapavir is not a silver bullet. It is one more powerful tool in our arsenal.

It complements HIV testing, oral PrEP, treatment as prevention, condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision and behavioural interventions.

Success will still depend on education. Success will still depend on responsibility. Success will still depend on ending stigma and discrimination. Most importantly, success will depend on all of us.

To our healthcare workers: continue to serve with dedication and compassion.

To parents and families: continue to guide and support our young people.

To traditional leaders, religious leaders and community leaders: continue to be champions of awareness and prevention.

To young South Africans: know that your future is worth protecting.

Take advantage of the prevention options available to you.

Make informed choices. Protect yourselves and one another.

Today we enter a new chapter in the history of our HIV response.

A chapter defined by science. A chapter defined by partnership. A chapter defined by dignity, choice and hope.

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.

That this was the moment when an HIV-free generation moved from aspiration to possibility.

And that this was the moment when South Africa once again helped to lead the world towards a better future.

As we move forward, let us remember Madiba's words.

Let us remain focused. Let us remain strategic. Let us mobilise all our resources and alliances. And let us sustain the effort until this battle is won.

Together, we can protect a generation. Together, we can end new HIV infections. Together, we can end AIDS as a public health threat. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger and more hopeful South Africa.

I thank you.

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