Zim to increase LEN roll out as demand sours

Zimbabwe is recording a strong uptake of Lenacapavir (LEN), the long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, among high-risk populations due to its convenience, improved safety and increased autonomy for clients, a senior Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) official has said.

Speaking during a media sensitisation workshop on the rollout of LEN on Thursday, MoHCC HIV prevention officer Dr Idah Moyo said the country had already seen encouraging demand for the drug since its introduction earlier this year.

The workshop was facilitated by the Ministry, the Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) and the Health Communicators Forum, with funding support from the United States Government.

Zimbabwe began administering LEN in February 2026 through a phased rollout targeting selected clinics in Bulawayo, Harare, Kwekwe, Gweru, Gwanda, Rusape and Shamva. At least 1 478 people considered at risk of contracting HIV have already received the preventative injections.

The country is now preparing to scale up the programme, with an additional 43 000 doses expected to raise the target number of beneficiaries to 46 500 by the end of the year.

"From the clients' experiences, there is generally high uptake. People are actually interested in taking LEN because of improved safety and autonomy on the clients. There is also easier adherence," said Dr Moyo.

She noted that the six-month protection offered by the injectable drug had made it particularly attractive to HIV-negative individuals seeking convenient prevention methods.

"We have seen that the uptake within a short time has gone up. From the perspective of the client, it is convenient. The client does not have to be coming to the facility regularly. It's actually a preferred method," she told reporters.

OPHID technical director Dr Pugie Chimberengwa said the positive response from clients had encouraged health authorities to carefully refine the rollout process before wider expansion.

"The Ministry has rolled out LEN in a few facilities, 12 to be specific, where we are taking it step by step and then perfecting how we roll it out," he said.

Health officials said HIV-negative clients at risk of infection remain free to switch between existing HIV prevention methods depending on their preferences and medical guidance.

Zimbabwe's expanded rollout of LEN is expected to strengthen the country's HIV prevention efforts as authorities continue pursuing strategies aimed at reducing new infections.