The Ministry of Health in Zambia has announced the registration of a long-acting injectable antiretroviral for HIV prevention, known as Lenacapavir.

Zambia’s Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima said the approval of lenacapavir reaffirms the government’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through the introduction of innovative and highly effective prevention technologies.

Dr Muchima explains that lenacapavir is administered once every 6 months and provides protection from HIV infection for the same duration.
He notes that this milestone builds upon the earlier introduction of another long-acting injectable ARV, Cabotegravir, launched in February 2024.

Dr Muchima commended Zambia’s Medicines Regulatory Authority for its efficient and timely regulatory approval.
He says this demonstrates Zambia’s readiness to fast-track safe, high-impact medical products without compromising quality or safety standards.

Muchina says he was delighted that within 6 weeks, Zambia had successfully registered the product, making it the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to do so.
Zambia records on average 30,000 new infections annually, particularly among adolescent girls and young women.

“The availability of this drug gives hope to those who struggle to take daily or two-monthly HIV prevention doses, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at risk of infection, and men who prefer to access prevention privately,” adds Dr Muchima.

Muchina directed the Ministry’s HIV programme and the National AIDS Council to develop innovative delivery models that extend services beyond traditional health facilities. 
He called for the use of community structures, adolescent-friendly centres and the private sector to ensure easy access to lenacapavir.

Lenacapavir will be provided free of charge to all eligible Zambians, he said, warning that no one should have to pay to access the drug.
He further acknowledged technical and financial support received from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, the United States Government, UNITAID, UNAIDS, the World Health Organisation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and various civil society organisations for their continued partnership with the government in strengthening the national HIV response.