Loraine Phiri
The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced that Zimbabwe is among ten countries worldwide chosen to roll out lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine hailed as a major step in the global fight against the epidemic.
“Yes Zimbabwe, it’s happening! We are excited to announce that Zimbabwe was selected as one of the ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a breakthrough development in the fight against HIV,” the U.S. Embassy Zimbabwe said in a post on its official Facebook page.
The initiative, a partnership with U.S.-based Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund, marks a significant step in the fight against HIV. “For decades, we have fought to turn the tide against this epidemic, and each day we get closer,” the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe stated.
The embassy highlighted the drug’s efficacy, noting that in a large-scale clinical trial, “more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative.”
Lenacapavir’s introduction in Zimbabwe is seen as a major advancement toward reducing new HIV infections. The program prioritizes pregnant and breastfeeding women to protect future generations, strengthens local healthcare systems, and aims to make the drug affordable and accessible to all. “This is more than medicine—it advances us on a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future,” the embassy said.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to global health equity. “By making lenacapavir more affordable and accessible, no one is left behind,” the embassy emphasized, underscoring the focus on inclusivity and empowerment in Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape.
The U.S. Embassy said the effort was a demonstration of American leadership in driving innovation and fostering a world where communities can thrive. “Together, we are not just fighting HIV. We are winning,” the embassy concluded.
