A long-acting HIV drug has arrived in Zimbabwe for high-risk groups.

Zimbabwe has begun rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, to selected high-risk groups with donor support; officials say funding and health-system limits could affect wider access.

Zimbabwe has begun offering lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection given twice a year, to selected high‑risk groups. The launch on Feb. 19 was supported by donor programs including PEPFAR and the Global Fund and is part of an early rollout across several African countries. Health officials and some advocates say the drug's discreet, less frequent dosing may benefit people who struggle with daily pills. Authorities also warn that funding, clinic capacity and patient follow-up will shape how widely the drug is used. What is known: - Lenacapavir is being offered free in Zimbabwe to groups described as high risk, including sex workers, adolescent girls and young women, gay men, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. - The early phase in Zimbabwe is expected to reach about 46,000 people across 24 sites, a fraction of potential national demand. - The rollout is donor-supported and part of lenacapavir introductions across multiple African countries, with PEPFAR and the Global Fund involved. - Officials and advocates say wider access depends on donor supplies, government purchasing plans and health-system capacity; detailed plans for the next phase remain unclear. Summary: Zimbabwe's launch introduces a twice-yearly HIV prevention option intended for people at highest risk, with early beneficiaries already receiving injections. Expansion plans are contingent on donor doses and government funding, and specifics for the next rollout phase are undetermined at this time.