Zimbabwe selected for global rollout of breakthrough HIV prevention drug

HARARE – Zimbabwe has been chosen as one of ten countries worldwide to introduce lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable medicine described as a breakthrough in HIV prevention.

The announcement was made by the United States Embassy in Harare on Tuesday, which confirmed the initiative will be implemented in partnership with Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund.

According to the embassy, clinical trials have shown that more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV-negative, making the drug a significant addition to global efforts to curb new infections.

The rollout in Zimbabwe is expected to prioritise pregnant and breastfeeding women, strengthen local healthcare systems, and make the medication more affordable and accessible.

“In a large-scale clinical trial more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative. While this has the potential to save millions of lives, here in Zimbabwe it represents a major step toward ending new infections,” the embassy said in its statement.

“But this is more than medicine—it advances us on a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future!

“This is American leadership at its best: driving innovation and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive.”

The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to register progress in its HIV response. A World Health Organization (WHO) statement marking World AIDS Day in December 2024 noted that the country had achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 Fast-Track targets for adults.

This means that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 years declined from 12.69% in 2019 to 10.49% in 2023, reflecting gains in prevention, treatment, and education.

Zimbabwe has also expanded access to innovative methods such as the cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injection, another long-acting preventive option available at selected facilities.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora described these achievements as evidence of government commitment, adding that efforts will continue with the support of international partners to meet the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Children living with HIV have also benefited from improved access to paediatric dolutegravir-based medicines, with viral load suppression rising from 70% in 2019 to 86% in 2023. A new fixed-dose combination for children is set to be introduced in 2025.

Zimbabwe is further pursuing the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. WHO has supported the development of a national roadmap to guide these efforts.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Stigma and discrimination continue to affect people living with HIV, while access to services is still limited in some remote communities due to distance, lower education levels, and adherence difficulties.

WHO Zimbabwe representative Dr Desta Tiruneh emphasized the need for sustained investment in prevention, treatment, stigma reduction, and community engagement.

“Zimbabwe’s ability to meet its goal of an AIDS-free generation by 2030 will depend on addressing these gaps, scaling up innovative models of care, and ensuring that vulnerable groups have equitable access to the services they need,” the WHO representative stated.

He added, “this will require continued investment in both prevention and treatment services, as well as a strong focus on education, stigma reduction, and community engagement.”

The rollout of lenacapavir, alongside existing interventions, is expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s momentum in the fight against HIV and strengthen prospects of achieving an AIDS-free generation within the next decade.