Health

Zimbabwe has launched a national program to administer lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic. The rollout, which began on Thursday, makes Zimbabwe one of the first nations globally to offer this innovative preventative measure, providing a modern option for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV.

The introduction of lenacapavir represents a shift in HIV prevention strategies, moving away from daily oral medication to a twice-yearly injection. This new approach aims to improve adherence, a critical factor in the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and could significantly reduce new HIV infections. Zimbabwe carries a substantial burden of HIV, with approximately 1.3 million people currently living with the virus, but has made considerable progress in recent years, achieving UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 treatment targets and reducing prevalence from 34% in the early 2000s to around 12% today.

What is Lenacapavir and How Does it Function?

Developed by Gilead Sciences and approved for leverage in Zimbabwe in November, lenacapavir is reported to be nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV infection. Unlike daily PrEP pills, the injectable formulation eliminates the need for consistent oral medication, addressing a major challenge for individuals who struggle with adherence. The drug is designed for individuals at substantial risk of HIV exposure, including adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers, groups that experience disproportionately high infection rates.

The rollout strategy focuses on reaching over 46,000 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide during the initial phase. Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Government and The Global Fund, demonstrating international support for Zimbabwe’s public health initiatives.

A Game Changer for HIV Prevention

Community response to the new drug has been positive. In Epworth, community leader Melody Dengu received the injection earlier this month and has already referred 12 others to participate in the program. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has hailed lenacapavir as “the next best thing to a vaccine,” underscoring its potential impact on HIV prevention efforts.

Zimbabwe’s approval of lenacapavir follows its earlier authorization of long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) as PrEP, making it a leader in adopting innovative HIV prevention technologies in Africa. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe approved CAB-LA as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, authorizing the once-every-two-months injectable PrEP drug. This decision was lauded by organizations like Y+ Global, which represents communities of young people globally.

The Africa REACH initiative has been instrumental in advocating for expanded PrEP choices in Zimbabwe and across the region. Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Chief Coordinator at the Office of the President and Cabinet of Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of this development not only for Zimbabwe but as well as an advocacy tool for other countries in the Southern African region, which continues to bear the biggest HIV burden globally.

Here’s a quick look at the key details:

• Drug Name: Lenacapavir
• Administration: Twice-yearly injection
• Effectiveness: Nearly 100%
• Target Groups: Adolescent girls, young women, and sex workers
• Funding: U.S. Government and The Global Fund

The launch of this program aligns with Zimbabwe’s goal to eliminate new HIV infections by 2030. While significant progress has been made in treating those living with HIV, prevention remains a crucial component of the national response. Lenacapavir offers a promising new tool in this ongoing effort.

Looking ahead, the success of this initial rollout will be closely monitored to assess its impact on HIV incidence and adherence rates. Further expansion of the program will depend on continued funding and logistical capacity. The experiences gained in Zimbabwe will likely inform similar initiatives in other African countries facing high HIV burdens.

What are your thoughts on this new approach to HIV prevention? Share your comments below, and please share this article with your network to raise awareness about this important development.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health topics and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The field of public health demands leaders with not only a deep understanding of scientific principles but too a profound connection to the communities they serve. Dr. Adnan Hyder, the Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health, embodies this intersection. His journey, rooted in a multi-generational lineage of medical practitioners, has shaped a perspective uniquely positioned to address the complex challenges facing global health today. Understanding the historical context of healthcare delivery is crucial for building more equitable and effective systems, a principle central to Hyder’s approach to public health leadership.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Hyder’s upbringing was steeped in the traditions of healing. His family’s history in medicine spans generations on both sides, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of healthcare practices. This background informs his commitment to culturally sensitive and holistic approaches to public health, recognizing that effective interventions must be tailored to the specific needs and beliefs of the populations they aim to serve. The focus on preventative care and community engagement, hallmarks of his function, are deeply influenced by this heritage.

A Legacy of Healing: Unani Medicine and Family Tradition

On his mother’s side, Hyder’s ancestors practiced Unani medicine for eleven generations. Unani, a traditional system of medicine originating in ancient Greece, is still practiced today in South Asia and other parts of the world. Practitioners, known as hakims, emphasize the body’s natural healing abilities and utilize a combination of herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health, Unani medicine focuses on restoring balance among the body’s elements – blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile – to maintain health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/unani-medicine-in-depth

Hyder’s paternal lineage also boasts a history of physicians spanning three to four generations. This pervasive medical influence within his family created an environment where a career in healthcare felt not only attainable but almost inevitable. The consistent presence of healers in his life instilled a deep respect for the profession and a commitment to alleviating suffering. This early exposure fostered a lifelong dedication to understanding the intricacies of health and disease.

From Pakistan to Boston: A Global Perspective on Public Health

Dr. Hyder’s path led him from Karachi to the United States, where he has become a prominent figure in the field of public health. As Dean of Boston University School of Public Health, he leads an institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and training future leaders in the field. His work focuses on improving health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and addressing issues of injury prevention and trauma care. He brings a global perspective to his role, informed by his own experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse populations.

His leadership at Boston University School of Public Health reflects a commitment to innovation and collaboration. The school’s research initiatives address a wide range of public health concerns, from infectious disease outbreaks to chronic disease prevention.