Fellow Nurses Africa | Lagos, Nigeria | 02 December, 2025
Lenacapavir, a long‑acting, twice‑yearly injectable pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is now available in Zambia and Zimbabwe, marking a major milestone in the fight against HIV across sub-Saharan Africa.
Health authorities emphasise the drug’s potential to significantly curb new infections and improve prevention access for high-risk populations.
▪️ On 4 November 2025, Lenacapavir shipments arrived in Zambia, making both tablet and injectable forms available to eligible individuals.
▪️ Shortly afterward, Zimbabwe received its first Lenacapavir supplies, ensuring access to this long-acting PrEP option across the country.
▪️ These launches represent one of the first widespread rollouts of a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug in sub-Saharan Africa.
▪️ Lenacapavir is the first twice‑yearly injectable PrEP, offering protection against HIV with only one injection every six months after an initial initiation phase.
▪️ This regimen reduces the burden of daily oral pills and supports better adherence, especially for people at high risk, including young women, key populations, and communities with limited healthcare access.
▪️ With WHO prequalification and regional support, Lenacapavir’s availability represents a major step forward in HIV prevention.
Impact on HIV Prevention in Africa
▪️ Expanded access: More people, particularly those who struggle with daily pills, can now access reliable HIV prevention.
▪️ Potential reduction in new infections: Combined with education, condom use, and testing, Lenacapavir could accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public-health threat.
▪️ Transforming public health strategies: The rollout demonstrates how partnerships and innovative treatment options can strengthen HIV prevention in resource-limited settings.
The availability of Lenacapavir in Zambia and Zimbabwe is a landmark moment for HIV prevention, offering hope for safer, more convenient PrEP across sub-Saharan Africa. Nurses, public-health workers, and communities now have a powerful new tool to help reduce HIV transmission.
