Lenacapavir rollout aims to slash HIV infections in Zimbabwe
The US launches long-acting HIV prevention drug lenacapavir in Zimbabwe, aiming to support thousands of people.
The United States has launched lenacapavir (LEN), the new long-acting HIV prevention drug, in Zimbabwe, with plans to support thousands op poeple.
According to reports, 271 000 people will benefit over the next three years and the drug will prevent more than 9 000 new infections.
A landmark in US–Zim HIV cooperation
Speaking at the national launch last week, US Deputy Chief of Mission, Phillip Nervig, said the rollout marks a decisive moment in decades of U.S.–Zimbabwe cooperation on HIV.
Gilead Sciences, a US pharmaceutical company, developed the injectable drug, which patients will receive twice a year.
It aims to boost adherence, especially among young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and other at-risk groups.
Cutting-edge HIV science offers historic opportunity
“LEN represents the cutting edge of HIV prevention science. Already in use in the United States, as well as in Zambia and Eswatini, LEN offers Zimbabwe an historic opportunity to sustain its remarkable progress in controlling the HIV epidemic by reducing new HIV infections,” Nervig said.
Reflecting on the drug expected to prevent 9,000 infections, he said that these were not just numbers.
They were Zimbabwean children, men, and women who would be saved, protected from HIV, and able to continue pursuing their dreams, Nervig added.
US remains largest donor to Zimbabwe’s health sector
The United States continues to lead as Zimbabwe’s biggest health-sector donor, contributing over US$1.9 billion in taxpayer funding to fight HIV and AIDS.
This support has helped Zimbabwe exceed the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which track the proportion of people living with HIV who know their status, receive treatment, and achieve viral suppression.
Nervig said the US is now shifting its support under the America First Global Health Strategy, focusing on measurable results and long-term sustainability.
“Through the America First Global Health Strategy, the United States is helping countries to achieve self-reliance,” he said. “Together, we can end HIV. I am confident that as the Government of Zimbabwe takes even more leadership, an AIDS-free generation is within our reach.”
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