HARARE, Zimbabwe (BN24) — Zimbabwe’s health authorities on Thursday began administering lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, positioning the southern African nation among the first in the world to introduce the twice-yearly shot through a national program.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora presided over the launch, describing the moment as a milestone in the country’s campaign to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat.
“Today marks an important day in Zimbabwe’s national response to HIV,” Mombeshora said at the event. “We gather here to launch lenacapavir a long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention and to show our commitment to protecting life and ending AIDS as a public health threat.”
The program, financed by the United States and the Global Fund, will initially reach more than 46,000 people considered at high risk of contracting HIV. Services are being introduced across 24 sites nationwide, with officials indicating that distribution will proceed in phases.
Zimbabwe received its first shipment earlier this month and administered doses to early participants prior to the official launch, Mombeshora said.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and approved locally in November, is delivered as a subcutaneous injection twice a year. Health officials say clinical evidence shows it is nearly 100% effective when used as directed, offering a powerful alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, pills.
Public health leaders view the drug as a significant advancement, particularly for individuals who face challenges maintaining strict daily medication routines. Adherence has long been cited as a barrier to maximizing the protective benefits of oral PrEP, especially among populations with limited access to consistent health services.
Zimbabwe, which carries one of the heaviest HIV burdens in Africa, has made notable progress over the past decade. The country has met the 95-95-95 treatment benchmarks established by UNAIDS — meaning that 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% of those on therapy have achieved viral suppression.
Despite those gains, new infections persist, particularly among young women, key populations and communities with limited healthcare access. Officials say integrating lenacapavir into the prevention toolkit could further drive down transmission rates.
At the launch event, Melody Dengu, a community leader from the Harare suburb of Epworth, shared her experience after receiving the injection earlier this month.
“I have also (so far) gotten 12 other people to come and get injected,” she told Reuters, describing community interest in the new option.
Zimbabwe’s broader HIV response has combined expanded testing, widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy and prevention initiatives targeting vulnerable groups. According to health authorities, these efforts have significantly reduced new infections compared with levels seen a decade ago.
The introduction of enoxaparin adds a long-acting biomedical tool to that strategy. By requiring only two injections per year, the drug may ease the burden on both patients and health systems, potentially improving uptake and continuity.
Zimbabwe’s decision to move swiftly with a national rollout places it at the forefront of a new chapter in HIV prevention. In sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare systems often contend with workforce shortages and logistical constraints, long-acting therapies can reshape delivery models.
The twice-yearly dosing schedule may prove particularly impactful in rural areas or among populations with inconsistent access to clinics. Reducing the need for daily pill adherence addresses not only logistical hurdles but also stigma. Carrying or taking daily HIV prevention medication can inadvertently signal risk status, deterring some individuals from consistent use. A discreet injection administered every six months could mitigate that concern.
However, the success of the program will depend on sustained funding and reliable supply chains. The initiative is backed by U.S. support and the Global Fund, both critical partners in Zimbabwe’s HIV response. Any fluctuations in international financing could influence the pace and reach of expansion.
Cost considerations also remain central. While lenacapavir represents a scientific breakthrough, its affordability for widespread use in low- and middle-income countries will shape global equity in access. Zimbabwe’s phased rollout targeting high-risk populations reflects an effort to prioritize those most vulnerable while managing resource constraints.
From a public health standpoint, Zimbabwe’s achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets demonstrates the country’s capacity to implement ambitious health programs effectively. The addition of long-acting prevention could move the nation closer to epidemic control, provided uptake remains strong.
Regionally, Zimbabwe’s rollout may serve as a model for neighboring countries confronting similar epidemiological patterns. Southern Africa continues to account for a significant share of global HIV infections. If lenacapavir proves successful in reducing incidence rates, pressure may mount for broader adoption across the continent.
At the same time, community engagement will be essential. Leaders like Dengu illustrate the role grassroots advocacy plays in shaping public acceptance. Peer influence and education campaigns could determine whether initial enthusiasm translates into sustained participation.
Zimbabwe’s move underscores a broader shift in HIV prevention strategy from daily self-administered pills to long-acting biomedical solutions that align more closely with real-world behaviors. As the country advances this program, global health observers will be watching closely to assess its impact on infection rates and its viability as a scalable model.
For now, health officials frame the launch as both a scientific and symbolic step forward signaling renewed determination to end AIDS as a public health threat in Zimbabwe.
