Zimbabwe HIV injection Roll out in the Capital Harare
HARARE – The Zimbabwe HIV injection programme officially commenced this morning in Harare, marking a historic leap in the global fight against the epidemic. By introducing Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting drug, the nation has become one of the first in the world to offer a twice-yearly prevention shot. This move represents a massive shift from the daily pills that have defined the lives of those at risk for decades.
For many people in the local community, this is far more than a simple medical update. It is a liberation from the constant burden of pill fatigue and the social stigma that often accompanies daily medication. The launch at the Overspill Clinic in Epworth signals a transition from a defensive struggle to an offensive strategy.
Moving Beyond the Daily Pill
The launch took place this morning at a community health centre in Epworth, on the outskirts of Harare. It marks a fundamental change in how the nation manages Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Health officials confirmed that the initial rollout will reach more than 46,000 individuals across 24 high-risk sites. The focus is clear: adolescent girls and young women who are still disproportionately affected by new infections.
Dr Douglas Mombeshora, the Minister of Health and Child Care, spoke at the event about why this matters. He explained that prevention must fit into the reality of everyday life. If a health solution is too visible or too demanding, people simply will not use it. By moving to a six-monthly schedule, the ministry is making HIV prevention as discreet as a routine check-up.
“A Weight Off Our Shoulders”
The atmosphere at the Overspill Clinic in Epworth was one of genuine relief. Melody Dengu, a community leader who has already received the jab, shared her experience with onlookers. She has already encouraged a dozen others to join her. For young women like 22-year-old Chiedza, the benefits are practical. In crowded university dorms or family homes, keeping a bottle of pills often leads to intrusive questions. Chiedza described the injection as a weight off her shoulders. It allows her to stay safe without the constant fear of being “found out” by peers or relatives.
The social impact here is profound. Health workers expect to see a sharp rise in “retention” rates. Many patients start oral PrEP but stop because life simply gets in the way. A twice-yearly appointment is much easier to keep than a daily pill ritual.
Global Support and Local Hope
This achievement was made possible through a partnership with the U.S. government and the Global Fund. Phillip Nervig, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, was present to congratulate Zimbabwe on being a global early adopter. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, is already being tested and used in Eswatini and Zambia, but Zimbabwe’s structured rollout is being watched as a blueprint for the entire continent.
The Ministry of Health has laid a strong policy foundation to ensure this is not just a one-off event. The goal is self-reliance and a stronger health system. As the first needles were administered in Epworth today, the sense of optimism was undeniable. Zimbabwe is no longer just playing defence against a crisis. With this innovation, the country is taking an offensive stance toward a future where new infections are a thing of the past.
 Zimbabwe joins global rollout of HIV prevention injection This video provides a direct visual report of the launch event in Epworth, Harare, by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and explains the significance of the new injection for Zimbabwe’s health strategy.
