Zimbabwe Set to Launch First-Ever Six-Month Anti-HIV Injection
Zimbabwe is on the brink of a major breakthrough in its fight against HIV, with the country preparing to roll out Lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable that only needs to be taken twice a year. The introduction is expected next year, and healthcare workers nationwide are already undergoing training to ensure a smooth launch.
Lenacapavir represents a dramatic leap forward for HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills which work well but often suffer from low adherence—this new drug is given as a simple under-the-skin injection every six months. Health experts say this could be a game-changer for people who struggle with daily medication or fear stigma associated with taking HIV prevention pills.
The six-monthly injection will add to Zimbabwe’s growing range of prevention tools. The country already offers cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a three-monthly PrEP option, and Lenacapavir is expected to further expand choice especially for key and vulnerable populations who need more discreet, long-lasting protection.
The rollout gathered momentum over the weekend after the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) announced it had approved the drug following an expedited 23-day review. The regulator fast-tracked the application submitted by Gilead Sciences on October 29 citing Lenacapavir’s potential to significantly reduce new HIV infections.
The drug is approved for HIV-negative adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg who are at substantial risk of infection. It begins with one injection supported by oral tablets taken on days one and two, followed by a six-monthly injection schedule. MCAZ emphasises that the treatment should be used alongside safer-sex practices, including condom use.
MCAZ director-general Richard Rukwata said the rapid approval underscores the authority’s commitment to widening access to proven HIV-prevention tools.
“This milestone brings new hope for HIV prevention and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding public health,” he said.
The approval followed a full review of the drug’s safety, efficacy and quality, supported by scientific assessments from the World Health Organisation Prequalification Programme.
Lenacapavir works by targeting the HIV-1 capsid a protective shell surrounding the virus blocking several stages of the HIV lifecycle and preventing infection from taking hold.
As preparations continue, health officials and HIV advocates say the twice-yearly injection could transform the prevention landscape, offering Zimbabweans a more convenient, discreet and long-lasting tool in the ongoing effort to end new infections.
