2026 is expected to be a significant year for the healthcare sector, with several key developments and challenges on the horizon. One major story is the rollout of a new HIV prevention jab, containing the antiretroviral medicine lenacapavir, at approximately 360 public sector clinics in South Africa. This injection provides six months of protection against HIV infection and could be a game-changer for individuals struggling to adhere to daily prevention pills.
Another significant development is the introduction of new weight loss medicines, including a semaglutide pill recently registered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The availability and pricing of these medicines in South Africa will be closely watched, particularly with the expiration of a key patent on semaglutide in India, which could lead to generic versions and reduced prices.
The year may also bring important updates on tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trials, including the M72 vaccine, which has shown promising results in phase 2 trials. Although timelines suggest that most key TB vaccine studies will not report findings this year, any surprise announcements could have significant implications for the healthcare system.
Other pressing issues in South Africa’s public healthcare system include severe shortages of healthcare workers, with all nine provinces facing significant staffing gaps. The government’s plan to address this crisis will be closely monitored, particularly in light of last year’s budget increase for health funding.
Corruption and accountability will also be in the spotlight, with several high-profile cases, including the Thembisa Hospital corruption scandal, expected to unfold in the courts. The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) handling of these cases will be watched closely, given concerns about the agency’s ability to secure successful prosecutions.
The National Health Insurance (NHI) debate is expected to continue, with at least eight court cases challenging the NHI Act or its implementation. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for South Africa’s healthcare system and reform efforts.
Internationally, the impact of US aid cuts to healthcare programs will be felt, with South Africa and neighboring countries likely to experience ongoing challenges in their HIV and TB responses. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health entities will face financial and political pressures, making it essential to monitor their progress and stability.
As the year unfolds, these and other healthcare issues will be closely watched, with significant implications for the sector and the people it serves.
