For the past three years, Buhle Sikade, 22, has been using an injection called lenacapavir LEN that gives her almost foolproof protection against getting HIV through sex.
Around 456 000 other HIV-negative people in South Africa will be able to get the jab, lenacapavir LEN, from 360 government clinics for free from April 1.
LEN is taken once every six months and injected into the fat under the skin in someones tummy.
The health department told Bhekisisa the countrys first LEN shipment will arrive in mid-February, after which samples will be quality-tested by our medicines regulator and stock will be dispatched to depots and clinics.
Mia Malan spoke to Sikade for a recent episode of Bhekisisas TV programme, Health Beat. Watch the interview or read an edited transcription to find out why Sikade has been using LEN and what its done for her.
Intodays newsletter,Mia Malan and Anna-Maria van Niekerk introduce us to Buhle Sikade, 22, who for the past three years, has been taking the revolutionary anti-HIV jab, lenacapavir.Dont miss out. Sign up for our newsletter today.
For the past three years, Buhle Sikade, 22, has been using an injection called lenacapavir LEN that gives her almost foolproof protection against getting HIV through sex. Around 456 000 other HIV-negative people in South Africa will be able to get the medicine from 360 government clinics for free from April 1.
LEN is taken once every six months and injected into the fat under the skin in someones tummy.
