JOHANNESBURG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.

The launch in Secunda, Mpumalanga Province, marks a major milestone in South Africa's efforts to curb new infections and ultimately eliminate HIV as a public health threat.

Ramaphosa welcomed the breakthrough, contrasting it with the reality of 26 years ago, when millions of people diagnosed with the disease were effectively handed a death sentence.

"Today, we take another decisive step toward making an HIV-free generation a reality," Ramaphosa said.

Lenacapavir, a new, long-acting antiretroviral drug, offers greater discretion, convenience, and likely better adherence for users, especially for people who struggle with taking a pill every day or making frequent clinic visits.

The six-monthly HIV injectable is expected to expand HIV prevention choices and improve adherence, particularly among the most vulnerable priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men having sex with men.

According to Ramaphosa, the country's objective is to scale up prevention rapidly over the next three years, working alongside strategic domestic and international partners.

In this initial phase, the long-acting injections will be distributed to over 360 public health facilities across high-burden districts, targeting nearly 450,000 individuals from high-risk populations.

South Africa currently carries the world's largest HIV burden, with nearly eight million people living with the virus and more than six million receiving antiretroviral treatment.