Lencapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prophylaxis for the first time in the world, is to be introduced in Zimbabwe, one of 10 countries selected for the initial rollout of the injectable drug.
“We are excited to announce that Zimbabwe was elected “An important development in the fight against HIV, as one of 10 countries globally to implement lencapavir,” the US Embassy in Harare said in a post on Twitter.
Zimbabwe has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, with 1.3 million people living with the condition. statistics From UNAIDS, United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS.
The southern African nation recently met UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets, meaning 95% of people living with HIV know their status; Of those who know they have HIV, 95% are taking life-saving anti-retroviral treatment; And 95% of people treated achieve viral suppression.
Ponesai Nyika, a public health expert with extensive experience in HIV/AIDS research and program implementation, told DW that Zimbabwe has “a very solid HIV response infrastructure.”
The introduction of lencapavir is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s infection elimination efforts.
“Supported by strong partnerships such as PEPFAR [the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief] and other local institutions… form a solid foundation for the introduction of lencapavir,” Nykaa said.
Zimbabwe’s implementation will target those vulnerable to HIV infection – including adolescent girls as well as those Pregnant and lactating.
Why is Lencapavir considered a game changer?
Lencapavir has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO). transformative step forward In protecting people at risk of HIV.
“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lencapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections in people at risk,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
UNAIDS has also described the drug as a key moment in the HIV response.
“We are talking about it as a potential miracle drug,” UNAIDS deputy director Angeli Achrekar told DW.
“Right now, the fact that it is almost 100% effective in preventing new infections is remarkable, it’s phenomenal. It’s the best thing we’ve got in the HIV response. We don’t have a vaccine or a cure, but it’s extraordinary.”
Lencapavir is expected to be introduced in 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027 and is expected to significantly reduce the 1.3 million new HIV/AIDS infections annually.
The drug is believed to be “highly effective,” the heroine told DW.
“Especially for HIV prevention, it has been shown to be highly effective, which makes it very exciting compared to others. If used correctly and consistently it is highly effective in preventing HIV infection,” Nayika said.
The drug has gone through two trials: one among women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa, the other among American gay and bisexual men and transgender women.
In both trials, the drug’s efficacy was over 99%, raising hopes for its “extraordinary” abilities in HIV prevention once it becomes fully available.
Nyika further explains that administering the drug only twice a year makes it even more effective as it reduces the incidence of low adherence to HIV treatment.
mixed reactions
While some Zimbabweans are excited about the introduction of the drug, others are more skeptical about the cost, safety and accessibility of the drug.
But Nyika argues that while lencapavir – like any new drug – may have some side effects, “the data we have shows that lencapavir is very safe and well tolerated.”
He urged African countries to make the drug transparent and clearly disclose any side effects of the drug to aid its adoption.
Despite much praise for the drug, its price also raises important questions about how accessible this “miracle drug” can be.
“How will this help us? Because I’m sure it’s for the rich,” a Ugandan citizen told DW, reacting to the drug’s $40-dollar annual cost.
The lencapavir prevention regimen also requires an initial oral dose when starting the regimen – two tablets to be taken on the day of the first injection and two tablets to be taken the next day.
To address cost concerns, Nyika suggests negotiations by middle- and low-income countries and potentially local or regional production.
“These may help reduce costs, but leveraging existing supply chains, community health systems and various service delivery modules will help ensure equitable access,” Nyika said.
The partnership with PEPFAR and the Global Fund is expected to significantly reduce the price of the “miracle drug.”
Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana are also among those selected for rollout by January 2026.
Kai Nebe and Isaac Mugabi contributed reporting
This article is from an episode of DW’s AfricaLink podcast