Zimbabwe has taken a bold step in the global fight against HIV with the rollout of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable drug hailed as a “miracle shot” for its potential to revolutionize HIV prevention. Developed by U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, lenacapavir is the world’s first long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that requires administration only twice a year. Zimbabwe is among ten countries selected to pilot this innovative treatment, a move that has sparked both excitement and debate across the nation.
The appeal of lenacapavir lies in its simplicity and potential to improve adherence to HIV prevention, especially in communities where daily oral PrEP is difficult to maintain. With over 1.3 million people living with HIV in Zimbabwe and a high prevalence rate, the drug’s introduction is seen as a significant milestone. Health experts have praised the initiative as a game changer, particularly in light of Zimbabwe’s recent achievement of the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets, where 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. These gains provide a strong foundation for integrating lenacapavir into national prevention strategies.
However, the rollout has not been without controversy. Concerns have emerged over the cost of the drug, its long-term safety profile, and whether it will be equitably accessible to all segments of the population, particularly marginalized and rural communities. Critics argue that while the scientific breakthrough is commendable, it must be matched with robust public education, transparent distribution mechanisms, and inclusive healthcare planning. Some fear that the excitement surrounding the “miracle shot” could overshadow the importance of community engagement and the strengthening of local health systems.
There is also unease about the reliance on foreign pharmaceutical solutions, with some stakeholders questioning whether such interventions align with Zimbabwe’s broader health sovereignty and development goals. The debate reflects a deeper tension in global health policy, how to balance innovation with equity, and urgency with caution. As Zimbabwe moves forward with the lenacapavir program, its success will depend not only on the drug’s clinical efficacy but also on the government’s ability to build public trust, ensure affordability, and reinforce the country’s healthcare infrastructure. The outcome of this initiative could shape the future of HIV prevention not just in Zimbabwe, but across the region.