South Africa has made great progress in responding to HIV, yet new infections remain worryingly high. Estimates suggest that while new HIV infections have declined from about 249 000 in 2017 to around 178 000 in 2024, far too many people are still acquiring the virus each day. And while the country has made overall progress toward the global 95-95-95 targets — which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression — the proportion of people who know their status and are receiving antiretroviral therapy still falls short, at about 79%. This comes at a time when US funding for health in South Africa has halted, placing additional strain on national and community-based responses.
Behind these numbers are real lives — a young woman trying to continue her studies, a father working away from home to support his family, or a teenager afraid to seek help because of stigma and fear.
The Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA) believes that every person is created in the image of God and has the right to live a full and healthy life. Guided by the Catholic social principles of compassion, human dignity, justice, and a preferential option for the poor, CATHCA supports efforts that protect life, restore hope, and ensure care for those most at risk.
Long-acting HIV prevention options such as Lenacapavir, which provides protection for people who are HIV negative through just two injections a year as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offer a new opportunity to reach those who face challenges with daily medication. For someone who travels long distances for work, cares for others before themselves, or hesitates to visit a clinic regularly, the simplicity of twice-yearly prevention could make a profound difference. Beyond the benefits at the individual level, such innovation also brings societal advantages, helping to reduce new infections, ease the strain on the health system and strengthen community well-being.
CATHCA welcomes the World Health Organization’s guidance recommending Lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention choice, as well as UNAIDS’ endorsement of this recommendation. We also commend the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for approving Lenacapavir for prevention in October 2025, and the National Department of Health (NDoH) and South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) for their public commitment to introduce it through a phased rollout in 2026.
As Catholic health and community organisations, we are called to accompany those who are most vulnerable with love and practical care. Supporting equitable access to effective long-acting HIV prevention is an act of mercy and justice. It affirms the sanctity of life and our shared responsibility to protect it, especially for those most at risk. CATHCA’s support for Lenacapavir as a preventive option for people who are HIV negative complements its long-standing support for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral load suppression for people living with HIV. Both are expressions of care consistent with Catholic moral teaching, which upholds human life, the common good, and responsible sexuality.
CATHCA stands therefore ready to work with government, faith-based partners, and communities to ensure that long-acting prevention tools reach those who need them most — so that the promise of an HIV-free generation may one day be fulfilled.
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