Health authorities have said the long-acting antiretroviral drug, Lenacapavir (LEN) is expected dramatically improve patient compliance by removing the need for daily pills.
The new twice-yearly injection was launched on February 19 in a bid to tackle one of the biggest challenges in HIV care-medication adherence.
National HIV prevention coordinator Getrude Ncube said the bi-annual subcutaneous injection represents a pivotal shift in managing HIV, particularly for patients who struggle with consistent daily dosing.
"Adherence is the cornerstone of effective HIV prevention and treatment. This long-acting injectable eliminates the burden of remembering to take medication every day, which is a major barrier for many," Ncube said.
"Early trials show the regimen is highly tolerable, with only one percent of participants discontinuing due to injection site reactions."
Ncube was speaking at an Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) training workshop.
Health experts highlight that improved adherence directly translates to better real-world outcomes.
With fewer clinic visits required, patients are also less likely to miss appointments, reducing the risk of drug resistance and viral rebound.
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Ncube noted that the drug’s 96 percent efficacy in cisgender women, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024, is bolstered by the fact that patients are more likely to stick to a twice-yearly schedule than a daily oral PrEP routine.
"Improved adherence translates to higher real-life effectiveness," she said.
"Long-acting products at the same or lower cost as oral PrEP are likely to be highly cost-effective, precisely because they ensure patients actually receive the full protective benefit."
The new regimen also addresses practical barriers to adherence.
Patients will save on transport costs and reduce time lost from work, as they will only need to visit health facilities twice a year.
HIV prevention officer, Idah Moyo, reinforced the importance of patient-centered counseling to maximize adherence.
"Healthcare workers must support individuals in choosing the prevention method that best fits their daily lives. When patients have a say in their regimen, they are far more likely to adhere consistently," he said.
