Long-acting PrEP, public health innovation – ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways
Zimbabwe has taken a major step in HIV prevention with the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP. Launched on February 19, 2026, the program began with 46,000 doses across 24 priority sites, targeting high-risk populations including adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. By offering a long-acting option, Zimbabwe addresses adherence challenges inherent in daily oral PrEP and provides greater privacy and convenience for vulnerable groups.
The initiative is supported by the United States government and the Global Fund, demonstrating a model of global health collaboration that strengthens governance, compliance, and accountability. Lenacapavir complements existing preventive tools such as oral PrEP, cabotegravir injections, and the dapivirine vaginal ring, forming part of a comprehensive, combination HIV prevention strategy.
This rollout builds on Zimbabwe’s historic HIV response. The country has reduced adult prevalence from 27% in 1997 to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, showcasing sustained progress in health outcomes. Lenacapavir’s long-acting formulation is expected to improve adherence, reduce stigma, and expand access for populations most exposed to infection risk.
Strategic significance lies in Zimbabwe’s adoption of innovative HIV prevention aligned with global best practices. The program strengthens public health infrastructure, supports international ESG-aligned partnerships, and provides a replicable model for other high-prevalence regions. By integrating biomedical innovation with social impact goals, Zimbabwe positions itself as a regional leader in sustainable health solutions, demonstrating measurable progress in disease prevention and social equity.
