Zimbabwe Approves Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injection For HIV Prevention

Zimbabwe has officially approved Lenacapavir, the first long-acting HIV prevention injection taken just twice a year. Public health experts are calling it a milestone that could transform HIV prevention strategies across Africa.

Zimbabwe now becomes one of the first African countries to authorize the drug, following rigorous review by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). This approval places the country at the forefront of adopting next-generation HIV prevention tools.

What Is Lenacapavir?

A Next-Level HIV Prevention Option

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) that works by preventing HIV from entering and multiplying in the body.

Unlike daily oral PrEP (like Truvada or Descovy), Lenacapavir:

• Requires two injections per year
• Involves an initial loading phase (one injection + short oral dosing)
• Maintains protective levels in the body for six full months

This makes it especially useful for:

• People who struggle with daily medication
• Adolescents and young adults
• Women in high-risk environments
• Individuals in areas with stigma around HIV pills

Zimbabwe is among the countries hardest hit by HIV, with significant progress made in the last decade but reports states that PrEP adherence remains a major challenge.

Lenacapavir directly addresses that gap.

Benefits at a glance:

Long-acting protection, only 2 doses per year, reduces adherence challenges, highly discreet (one clinic visit every 6 months), effective prevention backed by global trials and it’s a major step toward next-generation HIV control

Public health analysts say this single move could significantly reduce new HIV infections, particularly among women and young people.

Important Clarification:

Lenacapavir Is Approved for Prevention, Not Treatment

Although some online posts have created confusion, current regulatory approvals in Zimbabwe confirm:

• Lenacapavir is approved ONLY for HIV prevention (PrEP)
• It is not yet approved in Zimbabwe as a treatment for people already living with HIV

Reactions across social media and health forums show a mix of excitement and cautious optimism:

• Healthcare workers welcome the approval as a breakthrough tool for hard-to-reach populations

• Advocates say it will boost autonomy and reduce stigma

• Citizens express hope that rollout will be affordable and accessible

Globally, Lenacapavir has been described as a “game-changing option” that could reshape HIV prevention strategies for the next decade.