Zimbabwe rolls out twice-yearly injectable PrEP Lenacapavir nationally

On February 19, 2026, Zimbabwe launched a national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, beginning with 46,000 doses across 24 priority sites for high-risk populations. Backed by the US government and the Global Fund, the program offers a replicable social-impact model for ESG-aligned public-health partnerships in high-prevalence regions.

Zimbabwe launched its national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, on February 19, 2026, starting with 46,000 doses across 24 priority sites. The program targets high-risk populations including adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. By offering a long-acting option, it addresses adherence challenges of daily oral PrEP and adds privacy and convenience. The initiative is supported by the United States government and the Global Fund.

Adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men are the priority beneficiaries, with Lenacapavir complementing existing tools such as oral PrEP, cabotegravir injections, and the dapivirine vaginal ring within a combination prevention strategy. The rollout builds on Zimbabwe's historic HIV response, which reduced adult prevalence from 27% in 1997 to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The long-acting formulation is expected to improve adherence, reduce stigma, and expand access for the most exposed populations.

Public-health authorities and partners should monitor scale-up beyond the initial 24 priority sites and 46,000 doses, and track adherence, stigma reduction, and access outcomes across vulnerable groups. The program strengthens public-health infrastructure and supports international ESG-aligned partnerships emphasising governance, compliance, and accountability. By integrating biomedical innovation with social-impact goals, Zimbabwe provides a replicable model other high-prevalence regions can adapt for measurable progress in disease prevention and social equity.

Key figure — Launch volume: 46,000 doses across 24 priority sites (February 19, 2026)