Hhukwini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has launched the rollout of LENACAPAVIR, a long acting injectable form of pre exposure prophylaxis that will allow eligible citizens to access HIV prevention through a single injection every six months.
The announcement was made today at Hhukwini Inkhundla during the national commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025, held under the theme Eswatini Overcoming Disruptions and Transforming the AIDS Response.
Eswatini becomes one of the first African countries to introduce LENACAPAVIR, supported by the United States government. Health officials view the new option as an important addition to the prevention toolkit as the country works toward ending new HIV infections by 2030.
Addressing hundreds of residents, the Prime Minister said the commemoration serves as a call for the nation to protect the gains made in the HIV response and to confront challenges that continue to affect communities. He noted that although Eswatini has expanded access to treatment and achieved strong viral load suppression rates, the country still records more than 4 000 new infections among young people each year.
He attributed the trend to economic stress, social pressures and a decline in moral values, saying families and communities must unite to protect young people and support their pursuit of education and personal development.
Dlamini said transforming the response requires stronger prevention efforts, behaviour change, choices that protect young people, and access to tools such as condoms, voluntary medical male circumcision, PrEP and treatment for all who need it.
He described the introduction of LENACAPAVIR as a significant step in the fight against HIV, noting that the six month injection brings the country closer to its 2030 target.
The Prime Minister added that World AIDS Day also serves as a moment to honour lives lost, acknowledge those living with HIV and remind the nation of its responsibility to build a healthier and more resilient Eswatini.
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