Zimbabwe Launches Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Program. Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe has embarked on a significant step in its battle against HIV/AIDS with the national launch of lenacapavir, a novel injectable HIV prevention drug. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora marked the historic event on Thursday, describing it as “an important day in Zimbabwe’s national response to HIV.”.
Developed by Gilead Sciences and approved locally in November, lenacapavir boasts a nearly 100% effectiveness rate and eliminates the need for daily PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) pills, which has been a challenge for adherence in some individuals.
The drug is a game — changer for those who have struggled with the daily regimen of PrEP.
The program is funded by the U.
S. Government and The Global Fund, with the initial phase targeting over 46,000 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide.
Priority groups include adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers, who face disproportionately high infection rates.
Zimbabwe has one of Africa’s highest burdens of HIV, with 1. 3 million people living with the virus.
However, the country has made strides in reducing the prevalence of HIV, from 34% in the early 2000s to approximately 12% today.
It has achieved UNAIDS’95-95-95 treatment targets, which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment to have viral suppression. Community leader Melody Dengu in Epworth received the jab earlier this month and has already referred 12 others. “
Lenacapavir is the next best thing to a vaccine, “said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The launch of lenacapavir signifies a major advancement in HIV prevention and treatment strategies in Zimbabwe. While challenges remain, the program’s implementation holds promise for a more effective and accessible approach to combating the disease. Further details are expected as the program rolls out across the country.
