By Kuda Pembere
Following the expeditious registration of the long acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, Zimbabwe is expecting the new injectable to arrive in the country in January next year.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said preparations for the roll out have been completed.
“Our roll-out plan, I think everything is now in order. Some training has been done for the medical staff and sites have been identified for the roll-out. But we do not have many doses. I think we are expecting about 3,000 doses, hopefully in January,” he said.
He added that the drug will be availed free of charge to eligible participants.
“This drug was very, very expensive. But because of the actions that have taken place, the company which is producing the drug has actually reduced the cost to a level where it will cost around 40 dollars per year, which becomes very affordable because remember it is only two doses per year,” the Minister said. “When we receive those doses and we start the programme, all our HIV programmes are free. Once they have been diagnosed, they are put on treatment and it is free. So this preventive drug will also be free to those who will be enrolled on the roll-out programme.”
The eligible participants include adolescent girls and young women who remain disproportionately affected.
“This medicine is intended for people at substantial risk of acquiring HIV, including adolescent girls, young women, pregnant and breastfeeding women, key populations and mobile workers.
“As government, we emphasize that Lenacapavir is an additional layer of protection in our HIV prevention toolkit. It does not replace the traditional and proven ABC pillars of HIV prevention, that is, a for abstinence, b for being faithful to one partner, and c for correct and consistent condom use.
“Let me be clear, Lenacapavir must not be seen as a license or visa to engage in risk-dealing. Sexually transmitted infections and other communicable diseases remain prevalent and Lenacapavir does not protect against them. Responsible behavior guided by the ABC principles remains central to safeguarding personal and public health,” he said.
He also praised the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) for its rigorous yet expedited review of the drug.
“I am pleased to announce that Lenacapavir has received global regulatory approvals, including the WHO pre qualification. In Zimbabwe, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe approved the product on 22 November 2025 following an expedited 23 day review. I commend the MCAZ Director General and team for maintaining scientific rigor while responding with urgency to this public health need,” Minister Mombeshora added.
The Health Minister said, “We now enter an early introduction and implementation research phase, which will generate real world evidence to guide national scale up.
“The Ministry is working closely with WHO, local research institutions, the AIDS and TB programme, PEPFAR, the Global Fund and other partners to ensure that rollout is safe, equitable and well coordinated, from policy and training to supply chain readiness and community engagement.
“With only two injections per year, Lenacapavir has the potential to significantly reduce new infections, improve prevention outcomes and ease the workload on health facilities.”
