The Ministry of Health has announced that the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has registered a long-acting injectable antiretroviral (ARV) for HIV prevention, known as Lenacapavir (LEN), to mark a major milestone in Zambia’s fight against HIV.
Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, announced in Lusaka that the approval of Lenacapavir reaffirms government’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030, through the introduction of innovative and highly effective prevention technologies.
In a statement issued by Ministry of Health Principle Public Relations Officer, Georgia Chimombo, Dr Muchima explained that Lenacapavir is administered once every six months and provides protection from HIV infection for the same duration.
He noted that this milestone builds upon the earlier introduction of another long-acting injectable ARV, Cabotegravir (CAB), launched in February 2024.
The minister has attributed this achievement to the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema, whose government continues to champion investments in health innovations and public health advancements.
Dr Muchima has since commended ZAMRA for the efficient and timely regulatory approval, saying it demonstrates Zambia’s readiness to fast-track safe, high-impact medical products without compromising quality or safety standards.
He recalled that on 24th September 2025, while attending the UN General Assembly in New York, he joined former U.S. President Bill Clinton in announcing a negotiated price of 40 United States dollars per year for the six-monthly ARV.
He expressed happiness that within six weeks, Zambia has successfully registered the product, making it the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to do so.
Dr Muchima emphasised that the introduction of Lenacapavir has significant implications for HIV prevention in Zambia, which continues to record about 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,” he said.
The minister has since directed the ministry’s HIV programme and the National AIDS Council to develop innovative delivery models that extend services beyond traditional health facilities.
Dr Muchima further called for the use of community structures, adolescent-friendly centres, and the private sector to ensure easy access to Lenacapavir.
He stressed that Lenacapavir will be provided free of charge to all eligible Zambians, warning that no one should pay to access the drug.
