Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu
ZIMBABWE has been handpicked as one of just 10 countries worldwide to roll out a revolutionary HIV prevention drug that could change the game in the fight against the virus.
The United States Embassy announced on Tuesday that the country will introduce lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine. The development was celebrated as a massive step towards wiping out new infections.
“Yes Zimbabwe, it’s happening! We are excited to announce that Zimbabwe was selected as one of the ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a breakthrough in the fight against HIV,” read part of the Embassy’s announcement on X.
The drug, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences in partnership with the Global Fund, has shown incredible results. In clinical trials, more than 99 percent of participants stayed HIV negative while on the treatment.
“This has the potential to save millions of lives and here in Zimbabwe it represents a major leap toward ending new infections,” the Embassy said.
The rollout will first focus on pregnant and breastfeeding women to protect the next generation, while steps are also being taken to strengthen local healthcare systems to make the drug affordable and accessible to all.
“This is more than medicine. It is about building a safer and stronger future. By focusing on women, empowering Zimbabwe to lead its own fight, and ensuring no one is left behind, we are building resilience,” the Embassy added.
Zimbabwe has made major progress in fighting HIV over the past two decades, with prevalence rates steadily declining. The introduction of lenacapavir is expected to supercharge efforts to end the epidemic once and for all.
