Zimbabwe to roll out experimental HIV injection as country takes bold leap in prevention

Zimbabwe is preparing to make one of its boldest public‑health moves in decades - rolling out a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that could dramatically shift the country’s fight against the epidemic.

Beginning next Wednesday, more than 46 000 people at high risk of infection will start receiving Lenacapavir, a breakthrough long‑acting injection that health experts say could transform the country's battle against new infections.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care will officially launch the programme on 18 February in Epworth, one of the country's hardest‑hit communities.

Permanent Secretary Aspect Maunganidze confirmed the development, describing it as a "major milestone" in Zimbabwe's HIV response.

Unlike daily oral PrEP - which many struggle to take consistently - Lenacapavir is injected only twice a year, blocking a key HIV protein and offering long‑lasting protection.

High‑risk groups to receive priority  
The first phase will target communities most vulnerable to HIV, including:

- adolescent girls and young women  
- sex workers  
- men who have sex with men  
- pregnant and breastfeeding women  
- people facing social and economic vulnerability  

Rollout begins in major cities - Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare and Chitungwiza - before expanding to districts such as Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva and Gwanda.

Twenty‑four sites have been selected nationwide.

Zimbabwe chosen for global early access  
Zimbabwe was selected in 2025 as one of only 10 countries to introduce the drug under a global early‑access programme - a sign of international confidence in the country's HIV prevention systems.

The first shipment has already been cleared by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, and nearly 400 health workers have undergone specialised training to support the rollout.

A region still under pressure  
Southern Africa remains the global epicentre of HIV, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected. Experts say long‑acting injectables could finally overcome the biggest barrier in HIV prevention - daily adherence.

Officials believe integrating Lenacapavir into existing programmes could sharply reduce new infections and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic.

Zimbabwe now stands on the brink of a new chapter in HIV prevention - one that could redefine the country's future if the rollout succeeds.