Zimbabwe’s health officials launched distribution of a groundbreaking HIV prevention medication on Thursday, positioning the African nation among the first worldwide to implement this innovative treatment approach as it works to reduce new HIV cases.
The initiative, supported through funding from the United States and the Global Fund, will initially serve more than 46,000 individuals considered at elevated risk for HIV infection at 24 locations across the country, according to Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
“Today marks an important day in Zimbabwe’s national response to HIV. 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,” Mombeshora stated.
The minister revealed that Zimbabwe obtained its initial supply and provided injections to some early participants earlier in February, noting that distribution will proceed through multiple phases.
The medication lenacapavir, created by Gilead Sciences, requires administration through under-the-skin injections just twice annually. Health officials believe this approach may address compliance issues that occur with daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis medication regimens.
The southern African country has achieved remarkable success in combating HIV, meeting the ambitious 95-95-95 treatment goals established by UNAIDS — indicating that 95% of HIV-positive individuals are aware of their condition, 95% of diagnosed patients receive treatment, and 95% of treated patients maintain undetectable virus levels.
Melody Dengu, a community advocate from Epworth, a Harare neighborhood, confirmed she received her injection earlier this month.
“I have also (so far) gotten 12 other people to come and get injected,” she shared with reporters during the announcement.
While Zimbabwe continues to face one of Africa’s most significant HIV challenges, new infection rates have dropped substantially during the last ten years through expanded testing, treatment access, and prevention efforts.
