By Lloyd Takawira
Harare – Zimbabwe has been selected as one of just ten countries worldwide to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention drug that is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the global fight against HIV.
The development comes through a partnership with U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund, positioning Zimbabwe at the forefront of global health innovation. Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, offering new hope in the decades-long battle against the epidemic.
In large-scale clinical trials, over 99% of participants who received lenacapavir remained HIV-negative, showing unprecedented effectiveness. Health experts believe this innovation could help save millions of lives worldwide and significantly reduce new infections in Zimbabwe.
Transforming HIV Prevention in Zimbabwe
The rollout of lenacapavir is set to have far-reaching impact in Zimbabwe:
- Protecting mothers and children: Special focus will be on pregnant and breastfeeding women to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
- Strengthening health systems: The program will reinforce Zimbabwe’s ability to manage and expand HIV previous prevention strategies.
- Accessibility and affordability: Efforts are being made to ensure the injection is affordable and available to all, ensuring no community is left behind.
A Major Step Forward
For years, Zimbabwe has been at the center of the HIV epidemic, fighting tirelessly to reduce infections and save lives. With lenacapavir, the country now stands on the threshold of a new era in HIV prevention.
“This is American leadership at its best—working with partners to drive innovation and build a healthier, safer world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive,” the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe said in its announcement.
Zimbabwe’s inclusion in this global rollout is more than just access to medicine—it is a historic step toward ending new HIV infections and securing a brighter, healthier future for the nation.
👉 Read the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe announcement her
