Zimbabwe has officially launched a major new HIV prevention program with the introduction of lenacapavir, a long-acting injection designed to prevent HIV infection.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora called the launch “an important day” in the country’s fight against HIV. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, was approved in Zimbabwe in November and is described as nearly 100% effective. Unlike traditional daily PrEP pills, lenacapavir requires far less frequent dosing — a major breakthrough for people who struggle to take medication every day.
Rollout Plan
The first phase of the program is funded by the U.S. government and The Global Fund, targeting more than 46,000 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide.
Priority groups include adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers — communities that face higher rates of HIV infection.
Zimbabwe’s HIV Progress
Zimbabwe has about 1.3 million people living with HIV, one of the highest numbers in Africa. However, the country has made major progress in recent years, achieving the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS. HIV prevalence has dropped significantly, from around 34% in the early 2000s to approximately 12% today.
Community and Global Support
Community leaders are already encouraging uptake. In Epworth, Melody Dengu said she has referred 12 people after receiving the injection herself.
Meanwhile, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, described lenacapavir as “the next best thing to a vaccine.”
The launch marks a hopeful new chapter in Zimbabwe’s efforts to prevent new HIV infections and protect vulnerable communities.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS
