Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe has delayed the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP drug for HIV prevention, as the Ministry of Health awaits ministerial approval to announce official launch dates. The delay has sparked questions from communities and advocates eager to access the new HIV prevention option.
Speaking to HealthTimes, Dr Owen Mugurungi confirmed that the rollout was still pending but would begin soon.
“The rollout is yet to begin. We are still waiting for the minister to give us dates and it will be announced,” he said.
The initial rollout will target priority areas including Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Mutare and Chitungwiza. The Ministry of Health plans to expand the pilot phase to Karoi, Mazowe, Tsholotsho, Kwekwe, Shamva and Gwanda.
Over the weekend, Dr Mugurungi cautioned against raising expectations too high, warning that excessive demand could affect the programme’s intended outcomes.
“I urge against raising expectations too high. People need to know that Lenacapavir is not here to substitute existing PrEP and other HIV prevention methods but to complement them,” he said.
By early January 2026, nearly 400 health workers from public health facilities had been trained in combination HIV prevention, including the use of Lenacapavir. Data collection tools were also updated to support monitoring and evaluation.
However, there are indications that Lenacapavir is already being administered in some private health facilities and pharmacies. The government has raised concerns that some private sector practitioners may not have received training on proper administration.
“So on the first day the client comes, you administer two injections. The injections are given in two different locations, either on the abdomen or the thighs. They are also asked to take two pills on that first day,” said Dr Emily Gwavavas, a specialist PrEP consultant with the Ministry of Health.
Zimbabwe was selected in August 2025 as one of 10 countries in the region to introduce Lenacapavir through a global early access programme, reflecting confidence in the country’s HIV response systems and capacity to implement complex public health interventions.
