Zimbabwe has started distributing the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir

Zimbabwe has started distributing the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir

¨  Zimbabwe has started distributing the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir.

¨     The medicine is administered twice a year. Each dose provides protection for six months.

¨     Zimbabwe is among the first nations to introduce this extended-action preventive shot.

¨   HIV/AIDS has caused tens of thousands of deaths in the country over the past two decades.

¨     The first phase of the rollout targets around 46,500 people at high risk of infection.

¨     A second dose will be given to beneficiaries after six months.

¨     The injection is being offered free of cost to vulnerable groups.

¨     These include young women as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

¨     Officials expect the drug to help reduce the number of new HIV infections.

¨     Lenacapavir was developed by the California-based biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences 

¨     It is supported through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in partnership with The Global Fund.