ZIMBABWE will begin the nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir — a long-acting injectable medicine used to prevent HIV infection — at the start of January next year, with the drug set to be offered for free at all public health facilities, a Cabinet Minister has announced. The introduction of the breakthrough prevention option marks a major step in strengthening the country’s HIV response and widening access to highly effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Announcing the development at a media briefing today, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the rollout placed Zimbabwe among the first countries in the region to adopt Lenacapavir as part of its HIV prevention toolkit.
Lenacapavir is a next-generation antiretroviral medicine that works by blocking the HIV capsid – the protective shell that enables the virus to replicate and infect healthy cells. Phase 3 clinical trials have shown that Lenacapavir offers over 99 percent protection against HIV infection, making it one of the most effective PrEP options available globally. Dr Mombeshora said the drug’s introduction is expected to transform HIV prevention in communities where daily pills have been difficult to use consistently due to stigma, privacy concerns, or adherence challenges.
“Our country has long been recognised as a regional leader in the HIV response, and today we strengthen that leadership through the introduction of Lenacapavir – a next-generation, long-acting HIV prevention medicine that has successfully completed Phase 3 safety and efficacy trials,” he said. “This long-acting option gives individuals greater convenience, confidence and privacy – empowering them to protect themselves while living full and dignified lives.”
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