Zimbabwe has been chosen as one of only ten countries in the world to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention drug that health experts say could transform global efforts to end new infections. The development, announced this week by the United States Embassy in Harare, is being hailed as a landmark moment in the fight against one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
“Zimbabwe’s selection for the introduction of lenacapavir marks a historic milestone in our collective fight against HIV,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. “This is American leadership at its best: driving innovation and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive.”
The breakthrough comes at a time when Zimbabwe, like many other nations in sub-Saharan Africa, continues to grapple with high rates of HIV. According to UNAIDS, nearly 1.3 million people in the country are living with the virus. While significant strides have been made in reducing new infections and improving access to treatment, public health experts warn that further innovation is essential to achieve the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Lenacapavir, developed by U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences in partnership with the Global Fund, represents a bold new approach to HIV prevention. Unlike current oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which must be taken daily, lenacapavir is administered as a twice-yearly injection. This long-acting method offers a convenient and highly effective alternative, particularly for individuals who struggle with adherence to daily medication.
Zimbabwe Among 10 Nations to Roll Out Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Drug
Clinical trials of lenacapavir have produced striking results. Data from large-scale studies show that more than 99 percent of participants who received the injectable remained HIV-negative. Public health experts say this level of efficacy could drastically reduce the number of new infections, particularly in communities most affected by the virus.
The U.S. Embassy underscored the importance of prioritising vulnerable groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to ensure that both mothers and children benefit from this groundbreaking prevention tool. “This is more than medicine,” the Embassy noted. “It represents a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future for Zimbabwe.”
Health officials in Harare have welcomed the news, describing it as a timely boost to the country’s prevention programmes. Zimbabwe has long been praised for its proactive HIV response, from pioneering antiretroviral therapy distribution to adopting innovative prevention strategies. Experts believe the addition of lenacapavir will further strengthen those efforts, expanding options for individuals at risk of infection.
Dr. Tendai Moyo, a public health specialist based in Harare, said the new drug could be a game-changer for high-risk groups such as young women, adolescent girls, and key populations who remain disproportionately affected by HIV. “The beauty of lenacapavir is that it addresses one of the biggest challenges in HIV prevention—adherence. Many people cannot manage daily pills, and that often leaves them exposed. A twice-yearly injection takes away that burden,” Moyo explained.
The rollout of lenacapavir is also expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure by making prevention more affordable and accessible in the long run. While initial distribution may be limited, officials anticipate that lessons learned from early implementation will pave the way for broader availability.
Civil society groups working in the HIV sector have echoed optimism about the drug’s introduction but have also called for strong community engagement to ensure widespread acceptance. “Scientific breakthroughs must go hand in hand with education,” said an activist from a local HIV advocacy network. “Communities need to understand how lenacapavir works, who it is for, and how it complements existing prevention tools. Only then can we maximise its impact.”
The announcement also reflects the broader role of international cooperation in global health. The partnership between Gilead Sciences, the Global Fund, and the U.S. government highlights how coordinated efforts can accelerate access to cutting-edge medicines in countries that need them most.
As Zimbabwe prepares to roll out the injections, the sense of anticipation is high. For many, the arrival of lenacapavir signals not just medical progress, but renewed hope that the decades-long battle against HIV may finally be turning a corner.
“Zimbabwe has been on the frontlines of the HIV response for years, and this development is a testament to the country’s commitment and resilience,” said Dr. Moyo. “With tools like lenacapavir, we have a real chance of protecting future generations and achieving what once seemed impossible—an AIDS-free society.”
With its inclusion among the first ten countries worldwide to access the drug, Zimbabwe is once again positioning itself as a leader in HIV innovation. If the rollout proves successful, lenacapavir could well become a cornerstone in the global effort to eliminate HIV infections, ensuring that millions of lives are safeguarded for years to come.
Source- AllAfrica
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