Lusaka: The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has initiated a collaborative effort with Zambia and multiple partners to facilitate the distribution of Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention medicine funded by the United States. This development is part of a strategic initiative to curb new HIV infections across the country.
According to African Press Organization, the arrival of the first batch of Lenacapavir at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka marks a significant milestone in Zambia's ongoing battle against HIV.
The Ministry of Health's Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, George Sinyangwe, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, were present to receive the shipment on September 1, 2026. This event underscores the enduring health partnership between Zambia and the United States. Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), has demonstrated near 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections and is set to strengthen Zambia's HIV prevention strategies significantly.
UNAIDS is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and the US government, to ensure Lenacapavir reaches the populations at highest risk. The goal is to distribute the medication to 82,000 people by the end of 2026 through 542 selected health facilities. Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it highlights the potential of unified efforts in advancing public health objectives.
The initiative will particularly benefit approximately 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, enhancing maternal health and aiming to reduce vertical transmission of HIV. The US Assistant Secretary, Frank Garcia, reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Zambia's HIV response through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), reflecting a long-standing bilateral partnership.
Zambia joins a select group of sub-Saharan African countries, including Eswatini, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, in receiving Lenacapavir. With sub-Saharan Africa being home to the highest concentration of individuals living with HIV, this rollout is pivotal. In 2025, Zambia recorded 23,000 new HIV infections, with a significant proportion occurring among adolescents and young women who remain particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Lenacapavir's introduction is a crucial step toward enhancing HIV prevention strategies, particularly for adolescent girls and young women. Ms. Githuku-Shongwe stressed the importance of making HIV prevention accessible to those most in need. The integration of Lenacapavir into Zambia's comprehensive HIV prevention approach will be supported by UNAIDS through strategic coordination and technical guidance.
Through its longstanding collaboration with Zambia, UNAIDS continues to bolster the nation's HIV response efforts. This includes policy development, strategic information dissemination, community engagement, and ensuring that HIV services reach vulnerable populations. The rollout of Lenacapavir represents a significant advancement in these efforts, marking a new chapter in Zambia's fight against HIV.