Zimbabwe has been chosen as one of ten countries globally to introduce lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention drug that could significantly reduce new infections.
The U.S. Department of State, through PEPFAR, is working with Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to help distribute lenacapavir quickly.
According to a report by ZBC, Lenacapavir is the first injectable medicine for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that lasts for six months, providing long-term protection against HIV.
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In clinical trials, over 99% of participants using lenacapavir remained HIV negative, sparking hope among health officials.
Dr. Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council, welcomed the U.S. announcement, describing it as a “game changer for maternal and child health.”
He noted, “Zimbabwe has heard the announcement by the U.S. government that it will support the rollout of lenacapavir for pregnant women as part of pre-exposure prophylaxis. We are grateful for this development as it will ensure that babies are born free of HIV, and this moves us closer to achieving the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.”
The rollout will focus on pregnant and breastfeeding women to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their children.
