Nelson Mandela Bay:Eastern Cape Residents of the Eastern Cape, including young people and sex workers, are being encouraged to utilize a newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection as part of efforts to reduce new infections and eliminate cervical cancer in the province. This initiative was announced during the launch of the Lenacapavir HIV Prevention and Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy in KwaNoxolo, Nelson Mandela Bay, by provincial Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the strategy is being rolled out across the province with a focus on improving access to HIV prevention, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and timely treatment. Lenacapavir, administered twice a year, provides an additional prevention option for those at risk of acquiring HIV and is a part of South Africa's broader HIV prevention approach.
MEC Capa highlighted the significance of the injection, stating that it eliminates the need for daily medication. Approximately 3,500 people have already been initiated on lenacapavir, and the province is encouraging more eligible individuals to access the medication at designated health facilities. Despite its high cost, donor support has facilitated the rollout of lenacapavir.
The strategy also emphasizes the importance of public health services, including HIV and tuberculosis testing and cervical cancer screening. Capa urged men to utilize healthcare services more actively, with the province providing safe spaces for men to discuss health issues. The injection is specifically for HIV prevention and not for treating individuals already living with HIV.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye, stressed the need for effective implementation of the strategy to benefit communities. He clarified that lenacapavir is a preventive measure, not a vaccine or a treatment for those with HIV. The municipality is committed to collaborating with the provincial government to ensure the strategy's success.
The Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, part of the national effort to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030, includes key interventions like HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screenings. Mayor Babalwa Lobishe emphasized the municipality's support for the strategy's implementation, noting the importance of reliable municipal services in supporting healthcare delivery.
Overall, the initiative aims to strengthen prevention, promote early detection, and improve health outcomes in Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape through collaboration between government, healthcare workers, and communities.