Zimbabwe Rolls Out Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Drug

Zimbabwe has begun rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection developed by Gilead Sciences. The program targets high-risk groups and marks a major step in strengthening the country’s HIV response.

Zimbabwe has rolled out a nationwide program for lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection, becoming one of the first countries in the world to introduce the medication on a national scale. The development represents a significant step forward in the country’s long-running efforts to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat.
The initiative was officially launched on Thursday by Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who described the occasion as “an important day in Zimbabwe's national response to HIV,” underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening prevention strategies.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and approved for use in Zimbabwe in November, offers nearly 100% protection against HIV infection. Unlike traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills that must be taken daily, lenacapavir requires only two injections per year. Health experts say this shift could dramatically improve adherence rates, especially among individuals who find it difficult to maintain a daily medication routine.
The initial phase of the rollout is being funded by the U.S. government in partnership with The Global Fund. It is set to reach more than 46,000 individuals considered at high risk of HIV infection, with services being provided at 24 sites across the country. The program is prioritizing adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers—groups that continue to experience disproportionately high infection rates.
Zimbabwe remains one of the countries most heavily affected by HIV in Africa, with approximately 1.3 million people currently living with the virus. Despite this burden, the country has made notable progress in recent years. It has achieved the 95-95-95 treatment targets set by UNAIDS, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. National HIV prevalence has also fallen significantly, from 34% in the early 2000s to about 12% today.
At the community level, the impact of the new prevention tool is already being felt. In Epworth, local community leader Melody Dengu received her injection earlier this month and has since encouraged 12 others to follow suit. Meanwhile, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, described lenacapavir as “the next best thing to a vaccine,” highlighting its potential to transform HIV prevention efforts worldwide.