BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Government, through the Ministry of Health has reportedly selected 30 sites to provide the newly introduced HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir (LEN), as His Majesty the King has called upon Lutsango and the nation to take full advantage of the new medication.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a statement disclosing that on 18 February 2026, MSF teams in Manzini, Eswatini, launched the roll-out of LEN at their Sitsandziwe clinic, in coordination with the Ministry of Health. In its first week, 16 people were initiated on this new HIV prevention method, clearly demonstrating strong demand.
Sitsandziwe clinic is one of 30 sites selected by the Ministry of Health to provide LEN. Its selection reflects the clinic’s central location and its position within Matsapha Industrial Hub, where MSF provides sexual health care for diverse communities.
This roll-out marks the first time LEN has been introduced across all countries where Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operates.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention medicine administered just twice a year. For many people at risk of HIV transmission, particularly those facing stigma, instability, or challenges with daily pill adherence, it offers a safer and more practical alternative to existing prevention options.
Dr Djoki J. Bahati, MSF Country Medical Representative, commented, “We received limited LEN doses from the Ministry of Health to support this roll-out, along with training for five of our staff. The interest and demand for LEN seen at the MSF clinic is high, reflecting a broader national trend. Since LEN was first introduced in December 2025, the program has expanded rapidly from three to 30 facilities across all four regions of the country.”
Dr Bahati said this rapid uptake highlights LEN’s potential to be a game changer in HIV prevention, only if it gets to people the most at risk of HIV transmission. As LEN, a transformative tool, is being rolled out, affordable access to enough doses is instrumental in a context where international commitments seem not enough to meet the demand. Globally, pledged doses cover less than 10 per cent of demand, forcing countries to ration access and limit outreach.
“Strategic roll-out must be led by strong political and financial commitments, an inclusive targeting of key populations, transparent pricing and lower price, and expansion of Gilead’s licensing to all low- and middle-income countries,” said the doctor.
It was highlighted that this roll-out represents a learning curve for MSF, as LEN is a new HIV prevention method in Eswatini and relatively new within MSF. However, the doctor indicated that they are encouraged by its potential as they are working closely with the Ministry of Health to strengthen access to comprehensive prevention services.”
Meanwhile, His Majesty King Mswati III urged members of Lutsango to take full advantage of the new HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, recently introduced in Eswatini.
The King was speaking at Buhleni Royal Residence during the first leg of the 2026 Buganu Ceremony where thousands of Lutsango members gathered to celebrate culture and heritage.
His Majesty welcomed the introduction of the new innovative HIV prevention medication, describing it as a major boost in the Kingdom’s ongoing fight against the pandemic.
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(Courtesy Pic)
