Twice a Year, Not Once a Day : Lenacapavir Changes HIV Prevention

By Rachel Murondi

The announcement of the availability of Lenacapavir in Zimbabwe marks a significant breakthrough in the country’s fight against HIV, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities. As global efforts intensify to end new HIV infections, innovative prevention methods such as long-acting injectable treatments are being recognized as game changers in public health.

Action for Youth Foundation Trust has welcomed this development, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening HIV prevention strategies. The organization emphasized that introducing Lenacapavir brings new hope, especially for young people who often face barriers in accessing consistent and youth-friendly health services.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Executive Director Marvin Musekiwa highlighted the importance of ensuring that this innovation does not remain concentrated in urban centers. He noted that while the availability of Lenacapavir is commendable, its true impact will only be realized when it reaches all corners of the country.

Musekiwa urged the Government of Zimbabwe and its health partners to prioritize decentralization of the injection. He stressed that rural communities, which often experience limited healthcare infrastructure, must not be left behind in accessing life-saving interventions.

In particular, he pointed to hard-to-reach areas in Mutare such as Mambwere and Manzununu, where young people continue to face heightened vulnerability to HIV infection. These communities often lack consistent access to prevention tools, testing services, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.

Youth in rural settings encounter unique challenges, including stigma, poverty, and limited access to accurate health information. These factors contribute to increased risk behaviors and reduced uptake of preventive services, making targeted interventions even more critical.

Lenacapavir, as a long-acting injectable, offers a promising solution to adherence challenges commonly associated with daily oral prevention methods. Its extended protection period could significantly reduce the burden on young people who struggle to maintain consistent medication routines.

However, the benefits of Lenacapavir will only be fully realized if distribution systems are inclusive and equitable. Without deliberate efforts to reach marginalized populations, there is a risk that such innovations could widen existing health disparities.

Musekiwa emphasized that decentralization should involve integrating Lenacapavir into primary healthcare systems, mobile clinics, and community-based outreach programs. This would ensure that even the most remote populations can access the service without unnecessary barriers.

While awaiting the widespread rollout of Lenacapavir, Action for Youth Foundation Trust continues to encourage young people to utilize currently available HIV prevention options. These include Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which have proven effective when taken consistently.

Condom use also remains a critical component of HIV prevention. Beyond preventing HIV transmission, condoms offer protection against other sexually transmitted infections, making them a comprehensive and accessible option for young people.

The organization underscored the importance of combining biomedical interventions with behavioral and structural approaches. Education, community engagement, and youth empowerment remain essential pillars in reducing HIV vulnerability.

Additionally, partnerships between government, civil society, and community leaders are vital in ensuring the successful rollout of new prevention technologies. Collaborative efforts can enhance trust, improve service delivery, and increase uptake among young people.

The introduction of Lenacapavir represents a step forward in Zimbabwe’s HIV response, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains. Bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility is key to achieving meaningful impact.

Ultimately, ensuring that no young person is left behind requires intentional planning, resource allocation, and sustained advocacy. With the right strategies in place, Lenacapavir could play a transformative role in protecting the next generation from HIV.