Johnson Progress

Zimbabwe is set to introduce lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prophylactic, as part of a groundbreaking effort to combat the epidemic.

The US Embassy in Harare announced that Zimbabwe is one of 10 countries selected for the initial rollout of the injectable drug.

According to Ponesai Nyika, a public health expert, Zimbabwe has a “very solid HIV response infrastructure,” which will support the introduction of lenacapavir.

The country has made significant progress in addressing HIV, recently meeting the UNAids 95-95-95 fast-track targets, with 95% of those living with HIV knowing their status, 95% on life-saving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% achieving viral suppression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has hailed lenacapavir as a “transformative step forward” in protecting people at risk of contracting HIV.

“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

UNAids has also described the drug as a “watershed moment” in HIV response.

“We are talking about it as a potential miracle drug,” said Angeli Achrekar, deputy director of UNAids.

“Right now, the fact that it is nearly 100% effective at stopping new infections is remarkable, it’s unprecedented.”

Lenacapavir is expected to be rolled out across 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027, significantly reducing the 1.3 million new HIV/Aids infections yearly.

Nyika emphasized that the drug is “highly effective” in preventing HIV infection if used correctly and consistently.

However, concerns remain about the drug’s cost, safety, and accessibility. Initially projected to cost $28,000 per person annually, the regimen’s price has been reduced to around $40 per year through international partnerships.

Nyika suggested negotiations and possible local production to further lower costs.

“These can help bring the cost down, but also leveraging on the existing supply chain, community health system, and different service delivery modules will help ensure equitable access,” Nyika said.

Zimbabwe’s rollout will target people susceptible to HIV infection, including adolescent girls, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Other countries selected for the rollout include Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Eswatini, and Botswana.