Zimbabwe to roll out long-acting HIV prevention drug in 2026

By Africa Press Agency

Zimbabwe will begin administering the long‑acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir to at least 46,500 people early next year, a senior official announced on Monday.

National HIV prevention coordinator Gertrude Ncube told the state-run The Herald daily that 46,500 would be the first recipients as the country commences a national rollout of the twice‑yearly injectable in early 2026.

She said the first shipment is expected in January, with 40 rollout sites already prepared and staff trained.

“We are now ready to implement once the doses arrive.”

Lenacapavir provides six months of protection against HIV, offering an alternative to daily oral pre‑exposure prophylaxis, which many at‑risk individuals struggle to take consistently.

Health officials say the injectable could significantly improve prevention outcomes among adolescent girls, young women, sex workers and other vulnerable groups.

The initial rollout will prioritise districts with high HIV incidence and new infections, including Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare, Chitungwiza, Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva and Gwanda.

Future phases will expand nationwide as more doses become available.