Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe has been chosen as one of ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that offers a new layer of protection against the virus.

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe announced the selection, highlighting the country’s commitment to combating the HIV epidemic.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug administered twice a year, providing an innovative solution for HIV prevention.

According to clinical trials, more than 99% of people taking lenacapavir remained HIV-negative, demonstrating its efficacy in preventing new infections.

The rollout of lenacapavir will focus on high-risk populations, including adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and pregnant and lactating women.

These groups are disproportionately affected by HIV, and the new drug will provide them with added protection.

“We’ve seen cases where pregnant women initially test negative for HIV but test positive near delivery. Lenacapavir will be available to women at risk of acquiring the virus during pregnancy,” said Ms. Getrude Ncube, National HIV Prevention Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The introduction of lenacapavir is made possible through a partnership between Gilead Sciences, the Global Fund, and the Zimbabwean government.

The Global Fund will cover the costs of the drug, making it available free of charge to those in need.

“Accelerating access to innovations like Lenacapavir is crucial in our fight against HIV. In resource-limited settings, we must ensure that breakthrough tools are deployed quickly, affordably, and effectively,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund.

The rollout of lenacapavir is a significant step towards Zimbabwe’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

With its proven efficacy and long-acting nature, the drug is expected to reduce new HIV infections and save lives.

“This development helps us move closer to our 2030 goal of ending AIDS. With continued innovation and strong partnerships, we are optimistic about reducing new infections and sustaining our progress,” Ms. Ncube said.

The rollout of lenacapavir is expected to begin in January 2026, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care already identifying sites to administer the injection.

This initiative marks a crucial milestone in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV, and its success will depend on the continued collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities.