Zimbabwe has marked a major milestone in HIV prevention with the rollout of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable administered every six months. The introduction of this innovative prevention option represents a significant step forward in expanding choice and improving access to effective HIV prevention services. Commenting on this achievement, Dr Alan Smith, Senior Director for HIV Prevention TA Strategy, Medical Affairs at Gilead Patient Solutions, commended the Government of Zimbabwe: “It’s been truly inspiring to follow the recent news about advancements in HIV prevention in Zimbabwe—what an incredible achievement for the community and for everyone involved.” Dr Smith made these remarks during a recent Gilead familiarization visit hosted by
@UZCTRC , where he engaged with key national stakeholders including Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director of AIDS and TB Programmes at the
@MoHCCZim Ministry of Health and Child Care Zimbabwe, alongside
@dr_Nyaradzo Dr Nyaradzo Mgodi and
@Stranchi2 Dr Lynda Stranix-Chibanda from UZ-CTRC, and Dr Emmanuel Tachiwenyika of the Zimbabwe Health Interventions. Gilead Sciences is s the innovator, manufacturer, and regulatory sponsor of lenacapavir. Discussions during the visit focused on next steps to accelerate the scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis, including lenacapavir, and to strengthen comprehensive HIV prevention efforts across Zimbabwe. The engagement underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government, research institutions, and global partners to sustain progress toward ending HIV.