Online Reporter
SINCE the release of the Netflix hit The Polygamist, men have often found themselves being compared to Jonasi — the charming but reckless womaniser whose disregard for consequence became a talking point across social media and everyday conversations.
The character reinforced a familiar stereotype of men as risk-takers who pay little attention to their well-being and only seek help when circumstances become dire.
Yet the growing uptake of Lenacapavir, the new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, is challenging that narrative in the most encouraging way possible.
Health authorities report that more men than women are coming forward for the injectable HIV prevention method, a development that has surprised even seasoned public health practitioners. Zimbabwe, which introduced Lenacapavir earlier this year as one of the first countries to adopt the intervention, is already witnessing strong demand from men, with similar trends being reported elsewhere in the region.
This development deserves applause.
It demonstrates that men are increasingly taking ownership of their health and recognising that prevention remains one of the most effective weapons in the fight against HIV and Aids.
Far from being passive observers, many men are actively seeking information, embracing innovation and making responsible health decisions. Such behaviour should be encouraged and celebrated.
Perhaps more importantly, this trend helps to dismantle a stereotype that has lingered for generations.
Popular culture has often portrayed men as carefree adventurers, immune to caution and unconcerned about consequences.
One such enduring image is that of Jonasi in The Polygamist, the reckless character who moved through relationships with little regard for responsibility or personal well-being.
The men queuing for Lenacapavir are proving that image wrong.
They are demonstrating that today’s men are not simply driven by impulse or bravado. Rather, they are showing a willingness to protect themselves, their partners and their families. They understand that good health is not merely a personal matter but a social and economic asset. A healthy father, husband, brother or son contributes positively to family stability, workplace productivity and community development.
The significance of this shift cannot be overstated. Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in reducing HIV infections over the years, but sustaining those gains requires widespread participation from all sections of society.
When men actively embrace prevention measures, the burden of HIV prevention no longer falls disproportionately on women. Instead, responsibility becomes shared, and public health outcomes improve.
This emerging reality should also serve as a lesson to policymakers and health practitioners.
Men have often been accused of failing to utilise health services, yet the response to Lenacapavir proves that when interventions are accessible, convenient and relevant, men are willing participants.
The popularity of a twice-yearly injection suggests that health programmes must continue innovating to meet people where they are.
As Zimbabwe strives towards ending new HIV infections, the growing enthusiasm among men for preventive healthcare offers hope. It signals a generation increasingly aware that strength is not found in neglecting one’s health but in protecting it.
The message from this encouraging trend is clear: men care about their health. They care about their futures. They care about their loved ones.
And, contrary to the old stereotype, they are showing that they are no Jonasis.
