THE Health and Child Care ministry is stepping up efforts to widen HIV prevention options with the rollout of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP administered twice a year.
Health authorities said the new method is giving people greater flexibility in protecting themselves against HIV infection.
The ministry's HIV Prevention Officer, Idah Moyo, said the introduction of lenacapavir is strengthening the country’s HIV prevention programme by expanding available choices.
"Different PrEP modalities are being delivered as additional options, adding onto already existing HIV prevention methods," said Moyo.
"Making informed choices means understanding the available options, their benefits and how they fit into each person's circumstances. The focus is on personal choice. People should be able to choose, without pressure, what works best for them."
She said the expansion of HIV prevention methods allows individuals to select options that suit their lifestyles and circumstances.
Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID), Pugie Chimberengwa, said lenacapavir adds another important prevention option for HIV-negative people at risk of infection.
"We have a basket of options that HIV-negative people can use when they understand they are at risk of contracting HIV. Healthcare workers screen them and then provide different options from which they can choose," he said.
- Lenacapavir expands HIV prevention choices
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He said the Ministry of Health and Child Care is rolling out the injectable in phases, with the drug currently available at about 12 sites across the country.
As of May 7, 2026, 1 478 people had been initiated on lenacapavir, with women making up 67 percent of users and men 33 percent.
About 42 percent of clients switched from oral PrEP or long-acting injectable cabotegravir.
Among early adopters is Emily Chikoto, 29, of Bulawayo, who has tried several HIV prevention methods available in Zimbabwe, including daily oral PrEP, the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring and injectable cabotegravir, before switching to lenacapavir.
"For me, this is the best option so far. I only think about it twice a year, and then I continue with my life," she said.
Chikoto said the twice-yearly injection has removed the burden of daily pills and frequent clinic visits, while also eliminating side effects she previously experienced.
Her experience reflects the growing shift towards longer-acting HIV prevention methods that reduce the treatment burden while maintaining protection.
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