Zimbabwe Pioneers National Rollout of Breakthrough HIV Prevention Injection Lenacapavir

Zimbabwe has taken a bold step in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, becoming one of the first countries worldwide to introduce a nationwide programme for Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection.

The landmark initiative was officially launched on Thursday by Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who described the rollout as “an important day in Zimbabwe’s national response to HIV.”

Developed by Gilead Sciences and approved locally in November, lenacapavir has demonstrated nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV in clinical trials. Unlike traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills that must be taken daily, the new injection requires just two doses per year — a development experts say could transform prevention efforts, particularly among people who struggle with daily adherence.

Targeting High-Risk Communities

The first phase of the programme, funded by the U.S. government and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, aims to reach more than 46,000 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide.

Priority groups include adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers — communities that continue to face disproportionately high infection rates.

A Country with High Stakes

Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most HIV-affected nations, with an estimated 1.3 million people living with the virus. However, the country has made remarkable progress over the past two decades.

According to UNAIDS, Zimbabwe has achieved the ambitious 95-95-95 treatment targets — meaning 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have suppressed viral loads.

National HIV prevalence has also dropped significantly, from 34% in the early 2000s to approximately 12% today.

Community Momentum Builds

Early response to the rollout has been encouraging. In Epworth, community leader Melody Dengu received the injection earlier this month and has already referred 12 others to access the treatment.

Global health leaders have also welcomed the move. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, described lenacapavir as “the next best thing to a vaccine.”

As Zimbabwe scales up access, health officials hope the long-acting injectable will accelerate the country’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat — and potentially serve as a model for other nations seeking innovative solutions in the fight against HIV.