Zimbabwe launches Lenacapavir HIV prevention rollout

Health worker preparing an injection in a clinic 

Zimbabwe is preparing to roll out a groundbreaking HIV prevention tool, making it one of the first countries in the world to adopt Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication. More than 46,000 people identified as being at high risk of infection will begin receiving the injection on Wednesday, 18 February, with the official launch scheduled in Epworth, Harare.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Aspect Maunganidze, described the rollout as a major milestone in strengthening the country’s HIV prevention strategy. Unlike traditional oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which requires daily pills, Lenacapavir is administered only twice a year. The drug works by blocking the viral capsid — a protein structure HIV needs to replicate — offering long-lasting protection without the burden of daily medication.

The programme will initially target populations most vulnerable to HIV, including:

• Adolescent girls and young women

• Sex workers

• Men who have sex with men

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Communities facing heightened social and economic risks

The first phase will cover major urban centres such as Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare, and Chitungwiza, before expanding to districts including Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva, and Gwanda. These areas were selected based on high HIV incidence rates and strong uptake of oral PrEP programmes.

A total of 24 sites nationwide have been identified for the initial rollout. The first consignment of Lenacapavir arrived two weeks ago and was cleared for distribution by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). Nearly 400 health workers have already undergone specialised training, while national data systems have been upgraded to allow real-time monitoring.

Zimbabwe was chosen in August 2025 as one of 10 countries in the region to introduce Lenacapavir under a global early access programme. This reflects international confidence in Zimbabwe’s HIV response systems and its ability to implement complex public health interventions.

Southern Africa remains the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic, accounting for a disproportionate share of new infections, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Experts believe long-acting injectable prevention options could transform HIV prevention by addressing challenges with daily pill adherence.

Officials say integrating Lenacapavir into existing prevention programmes could significantly reduce new infections, consolidate progress made against HIV, and accelerate efforts to end the epidemic. The launch marks a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV, offering hope for more effective and sustainable prevention strategies.

Lenacapavir HIV prevention Zimbabwe