Zimbabwe has taken a major step in its fight against HIV with the launch of a nationwide program for lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent new infections. The initiative places the country among the first in the world to adopt the medication as part of a national HIV prevention strategy.

The program was officially unveiled by Zimbabwe’s Health Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, who described the move as a significant boost to the country’s long-term goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is administered just twice a year and has shown extremely high effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. Unlike daily oral PrEP tablets, the injection reduces the burden of remembering to take medication every day, which has been a major challenge for many people at risk.

The first phase of the program is supported by funding from the United States government and The Global Fund. Authorities plan to reach more than 46,000 people considered at high risk of HIV infection through 24 health facilities across the country. Priority is being given to groups with higher vulnerability, including adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers, who continue to face disproportionately high rates of new infections.

About 1.3 million people in Zimbabwe are currently living with HIV, one of the highest figures in Africa. However, the country has recorded major progress over the years. HIV prevalence has fallen sharply from levels seen in the early 2000s, and Zimbabwe has met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets on testing, treatment, and viral suppression.

In Epworth, near Harare, early uptake has already begun. Community advocate Melody Dengu, who recently received the injection, says the response has been encouraging, noting that several others have come forward after her experience.

International health leaders have also welcomed the development. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described lenacapavir as one of the most promising HIV prevention tools to date, comparing its potential impact to that of a future vaccine.

Health officials say the success of the initial rollout could pave the way for wider access, further strengthening Zimbabwe’s efforts to curb new HIV infections nationwide.