Zimbabwe marked a historic step forward in HIV prevention with the official launch of lenacapavir in Epworth, bringing together government leaders, international partners, public health experts, and community members for a milestone event that signals a new chapter in the country’s fight against HIV.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora commended the collective commitment that has sustained Zimbabwe’s HIV response over the years, applauding frontline workers, development partners, and communities for their dedication. He described the introduction of lenacapavir as a reflection of the country’s readiness to embrace innovation while strengthening existing prevention strategies. The minister stressed that Zimbabwe’s progress has been built on strong partnerships and consistent investment in science-driven interventions, noting that expanding prevention choices will help protect more lives.
Representing the United States, Deputy Chief of Mission Phillip Nervig from the US Embassy Harare highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two nations in combating HIV and AIDS. He described lenacapavir as a groundbreaking medical innovation supported by American scientific expertise, capable of transforming prevention through its twice-yearly dosing schedule.
Nervig emphasized that the drug offers convenience and discretion, especially for populations that face challenges adhering to daily prevention methods, and reaffirmed continued U.S. support for Zimbabwe’s HIV programmes through initiatives such as PEPFAR.
Providing technical insight, public health specialist Dr Owen Mugurungi explained that lenacapavir builds on Zimbabwe’s established combination prevention model. He said the country has long relied on integrating biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions, including HIV testing, treatment as prevention, voluntary medical male circumcision, and community education. Mugurungi said that the new drug does not replace existing tools but complements them, offering additional options for individuals whose circumstances make daily prevention difficult. He added that expanding the prevention toolkit ensures a more people-centered response that adapts to changing needs.
Community voices were also central to the launch, with Pangaea Zimbabwe Director Imelda Mahaka highlighting the importance of awareness and education as new technologies emerge. She noted that greater choice empowers individuals to select prevention methods suited to their lifestyles, but warned that misinformation and stigma remain barriers. Mahaka called for intensified community engagement, particularly among adolescent girls, young women, and other vulnerable groups, to ensure equitable access and understanding of the new intervention.
The event combined public health messaging with celebration, as popular artist Saint Floew energized the crowd, reflecting the community-driven spirit of the rollout. Officials and partners expressed optimism that the introduction of lenacapavir will accelerate Zimbabwe’s progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat, reinforcing the country’s leadership in adopting innovative prevention solutions while keeping communities at the heart of the response.
