Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE has been selected as one of only 10 countries worldwide to roll out lenacapavir, a revolutionary drug hailed as a game-changer in the fight against HIV.
The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe on Tuesday announced the milestone on their X page, describing it as a major step towards ending new infections in the country.
“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 development in the fight against HIV,” said the Embassy.
According to the Embassy, Lenacapavir, developed through a partnership between U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund, is the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine.
“In a large-scale clinical trial, the drug proved highly effective, with over 99 percent of participants remaining HIV negative while on lenacapavir.
“This has the potential to save millions of lives, and here in Zimbabwe it represents a major step toward ending new infections,” said the Embassy.
The rollout, the Embassy said, will prioritise pregnant and breastfeeding women in order to protect the next generation, while efforts are also being made to strengthen local healthcare systems and ensure the medicine is affordable and accessible to all.
“This is more than medicine—it advances us on a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future. By focusing on women, empowering Zimbabwe to lead its own fight, and ensuring no one is left behind, we are building resilience,” said the post. .
The Embassy described the initiative as an example of “American leadership at its best: driving innovation, and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive.”
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in fighting HIV over the past two decades, with prevalence rates declining and the introduction of lenacapavir is expected to accelerate progress towards ending the epidemic.
