Zimbabwe launches groundbreaking HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir

Zimbabwe has officially launched Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention drug, marking a major step forward in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Health authorities described the rollout as a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative prevention tools, particularly for populations at high risk of infection. Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, offering an alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills.

Officials said the introduction of the drug is part of Zimbabwe’s broader HIV prevention strategy aimed at reducing new infections and strengthening public health outcomes.

The country has made notable progress in HIV treatment and prevention over the years, but new infections remain a concern, especially among young women and vulnerable groups.

The government noted that the long-acting nature of Lenacapavir could improve adherence compared to daily medication, addressing one of the key challenges in HIV prevention efforts.

The drug was developed by pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and has shown high efficacy in clinical trials for preventing HIV infection.

Health officials said the rollout will be phased, with priority given to high-risk communities, while partnerships with international health organisations will support distribution and monitoring.

Zimbabwe’s move positions it among the first countries in Africa to introduce the long-acting HIV prevention injection, signalling a renewed commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.