Lenacapavir HIV prevention could significantly shorten the time South Africa needs to bring HIV transmission under control. However, modelling suggests the country would need millions of people to receive the long-acting injection each year to realise its full potential. Clinical trials found that lenacapavir provided almost complete protection against HIV infection. The injectable prevention option could also address a persistent…
Tag: Global Fund
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Lenacapavir Production in South Africa Moves Closer
Three South African pharmaceutical manufacturers have reached the shortlist to potentially produce Gilead Sciences’ HIV-prevention injection, lenacapavir. Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaala confirmed the development at the 26th International Aids Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The South African National Aids Council evaluated submissions received through a call for expressions of interest. It then selected three possible manufacturers. Phaala declined to…
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Nicholas Crisp’s NHI Departure Raises Leadership Concerns
Nicholas Crisp, a key figure behind South Africa’s National Health Insurance programme, is preparing to leave the National Health Department. Crisp heads the NHI programme and serves as acting director-general of health. He said he would leave government service after September 2026. The Cabinet previously allowed him to remain in his position for another two years. This extended his service…
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Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Injection: SA Rollout Faces Heat
South Africa’s long-acting HIV prevention programme has entered a new phase. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi led an official rollout event in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on 5 June 2026. The twice-yearly injection of lenacapavir prevents HIV infection when used as prescribed. Health officials position the product as a major addition to the country’s prevention toolkit. This is alongside…
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HIV Funding in South Africa Faces Serious Cuts
South Africa has less than eight years before one of its most important external funding streams for HIV and TB programmes ends. Allocation letters sent in March confirm that the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria plans its final grant to South Africa in Grant Cycle 9. This cycle will run from April 2031 to March 2034. At…
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Health Department Suspensions Follow Senior Official’s Arrests
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has officially confirmed several suspensions at the Health Department. This follows the recent arrests of high-ranking officials. The charges involve alleged fraud and theft. Motsoaledi placed Director-General Sandile Buthelezi and two other senior figures on precautionary suspension. This move follows their court appearance last week. The suspensions aim to protect the integrity of the department. They…
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Global Fund Fraud Case: Health Director-General Arrested
The National Department of Health (NDoH) has plunged into a fresh governance crisis. The Hawks arrested Director-General Sandile Buthelezi and two senior colleagues this week. They face serious fraud and theft charges linked to the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Malaria & TB. The Hawks arrested the suspects for allegedly misusing Global Fund resources. While the international fund supports critical health…
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UK Cuts Contribution to Global Fund By 15 Percent
Britain has announced an £850 million pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, marking a significant 15% reduction in its contribution as the nation grapples with tighter domestic budgets. The pledge covers the 2026-2028 period. The UK government, historically a major donor to the Geneva-based health initiative, defended the decision by highlighting its expected impact. Officials…
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Malaria Progress Stalls as Resurgence Looms
The global fight against malaria has stalled after two decades of significant progress. Campaigners warned yesterday that a “perfect storm” of climate change, population growth, and funding gaps threatens a deadly resurgence. A new report by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (Alma) and Malaria No More UK states that insufficient funding for increasingly costly prevention programmes is putting decades of…
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African Philanthropists Must Drive Change in Public Health
The head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has issued a powerful call to action for African philanthropists. He urges them to direct their resources towards health initiatives. These efforts could save millions of lives and transform the continent’s future. Speaking from the sidelines of the World Health Summit in Berlin, Executive Director Peter Sands made…