Zimbabwe is set to introduce Lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, in 2026 — a major step in the country’s fight against HIV and AIDS. Health experts say the innovation could drastically reduce new infections and help accelerate Zimbabwe’s progress toward the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The drug, developed by global pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, will be distributed in Zimbabwe through a three-year partnership between the Global Fund, the Zimbabwean government, and other high-burden countries. The programme aims to reach around two million beneficiaries worldwide, with Zimbabwe among the first countries in Africa to access the new treatment.
National HIV Prevention Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ms Getrude Ncube, confirmed that preparations are already underway for the rollout. “In Zimbabwe, our prevention toolkit already includes oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the Dapivirine vaginal ring, and the injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA). Lenacapavir will be an addition, giving clients more choices to find what works best for them,” she explained.
According to Ms Ncube, sites have already been identified to administer the injection once it secures approval from the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). The Ministry of Health is prioritising groups most vulnerable to HIV, including adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and pregnant and lactating women.
“We’ve seen cases where pregnant women initially test negative for HIV but test positive near delivery. Lenacapavir will be available to women at risk of acquiring the virus during pregnancy,” she said, noting that this aligns with Zimbabwe’s Triple Elimination Agenda, which aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by 2030.
Zimbabwe to Roll Out Groundbreaking Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection in 2026
The Global Fund’s Executive Director, Mr Peter Sands, described Lenacapavir as a vital innovation, particularly for countries with limited resources. “Accelerating access to innovations like Lenacapavir is crucial in our fight against HIV. In resource-limited settings, we must ensure that breakthrough tools are deployed quickly, affordably and effectively,” he said.
Zimbabwe has already gained international recognition for being proactive in adopting new HIV prevention strategies. In 2024, it became one of the first countries to approve Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a long-acting injectable PrEP option. It was also among the early adopters of the Dapivirine vaginal ring, which has provided women with more discreet prevention choices.
The new rollout has also received backing from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which confirmed that Zimbabwe is among the first wave of countries to benefit from access to the drug.
One of the strongest features of the Lenacapavir programme in Zimbabwe is that the injection will be made available free of charge to those who need it. Ms Ncube explained that the costs will be covered by the Global Fund, similar to how Zimbabwe distributes antiretroviral therapy (ART).
She noted that Lenacapavir’s twice-yearly dosage is expected to improve adherence, especially among individuals who struggle with daily oral PrEP. “One of the major challenges with daily PrEP pills is pill fatigue, which can lead to non-adherence. The bi-annual injection reduces clinic visits and is discreet, helping those concerned about disclosure,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health says preparations for distribution are at an advanced stage, with a target start date of January 2026. The move reinforces the country’s leadership role in HIV prevention efforts on the continent and reflects its commitment to global health goals.
Health officials remain optimistic that this innovation will significantly accelerate Zimbabwe’s progress toward the 2030 goal of ending AIDS. Ms Ncube said: “This development helps us move closer to our 2030 goal of ending AIDS. With continued innovation and strong partnerships, we are optimistic about reducing new infections and sustaining our progress.”
Lenacapavir is seen as a breakthrough because of its long-acting nature. Unlike other prevention methods that require daily pills or monthly/bi-monthly interventions, this injection only needs to be administered twice a year. This reduces barriers to adherence and offers convenience for individuals with limited access to healthcare facilities.
Experts believe that if successfully implemented, the drug could help address the high HIV incidence rates among young women and adolescent girls, who remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic. By making prevention easier and more accessible, Zimbabwe hopes to protect vulnerable groups and sustain the hard-fought progress achieved in HIV control over the last two decades.
As Zimbabwe prepares for the rollout of Lenacapavir in 2026, there is growing hope that this innovation will transform HIV prevention. By combining international partnerships, government commitment, and scientific advances, the country is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s ongoing battle against HIV and AIDS.
For thousands of Zimbabweans at risk of infection, the twice-yearly injection represents not just another medical option, but a lifeline that could change the course of the epidemic and bring the nation closer to achieving the long-awaited dream of an AIDS-free generation.
Source- Bulawayo24
