Zimbabwe rolls out new long-acting HIV prevention drug

Zimbabwe has begun administering a groundbreaking long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing fight against the epidemic.

Health authorities officially launched the rollout of Lenacapavir—an injectable HIV prevention medicine administered only twice a year—in the capital, Harare. Clinical studies have shown the drug can provide near-complete protection against HIV acquisition, offering new hope for populations at high risk of infection.

A shift toward simpler prevention

In Harare’s densely populated Epworth suburb, health officials, community leaders, and development partners gathered to mark the introduction of the drug, which experts say could transform HIV prevention by reducing reliance on daily medication.

Among the first recipients was Epworth resident Precious Chiwaya, who previously relied on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

“I used to take oral PrEP, but sometimes the clinic only had a month’s supply, and sometimes none at all,” she said. “That was too risky for me. Now I have protection for six months without worrying about running out.”

Health workers say such experiences highlight a major challenge with daily prevention methods. Missed doses, stigma, and supply interruptions have often limited effectiveness despite widespread availability.

Progress and persistent challenges

According to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, the country has made substantial progress in HIV treatment access. More than 1.3 million people are living with HIV, and over 90 percent are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

Yet new infections remain a concern, particularly among adolescent girls and young women, which has prompted authorities to prioritize prevention innovations.

Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the introduction of long-acting prevention reflects lessons learned over decades of HIV programming.

“Prevention must fit into real life,” he said during the launch. “If a solution is too complicated, too demanding, or too visible, people simply won’t use it. Lenacapavir represents a new way of doing things.”

A potential game changer

Civil society organizations working in HIV response say the injection could significantly reduce infection rates by improving adherence.

Imelda Mahaka of the Pangea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust described the drug as a major advancement.

“There are people who struggle with daily methods like oral PrEP,” she said. “If someone only needs two injections a year, it completely changes prevention. This could lead to a huge reduction in new infections.”

Public health experts believe long-acting prevention tools may especially benefit young people, mobile populations, and individuals facing stigma when accessing HIV services.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Halligan Agade.