Zambia Rolls Out Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection

[ Back to News Page ] Dated: 02-Oct-2026

Published 2 October 2026. Zambia is expanding access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, following the arrival of its first US-funded shipment on 1 September 2026. UNAIDS reported the development on 9 September, highlighting efforts to bring this additional prevention option to people who need it most.

Finger-prick blood collection for an HIV test — File photo from the Nexus Laboratories image library: HIV testing. This photograph does not show the Zambia rollout or a lenacapavir injection.

Zambia aims to reach 82,000 people in 2026

According to UNAIDS, the rollout aims to reach 82,000 people by the end of 2026 through 542 selected health facilities. Around 21,000 intended beneficiaries are pregnant or breastfeeding women. UNAIDS is supporting the government and partners with evidence, coordination and community engagement to guide equitable access.

The programme forms part of Zambia's wider HIV prevention response. The announcement describes a planned expansion; it does not mean everyone in the target group has already received the medicine.

What is twice-yearly injectable PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is medicine used to prevent HIV before exposure. In July 2025, the World Health Organization recommended injectable lenacapavir as an additional PrEP choice within combination prevention. Its six-monthly dosing offers another option alongside daily oral PrEP and other prevention methods.

WHO describes lenacapavir as highly effective at reducing HIV acquisition. It is not an HIV vaccine or a cure, and protection should not be described as guaranteed. Choosing PrEP requires a healthcare professional's assessment, appropriate HIV testing and follow-up.

What Malaysian readers should know

This report concerns Zambia. It does not establish that lenacapavir is approved, funded or available in Malaysia. Ask a qualified local healthcare provider about currently available PrEP options, eligibility, testing and costs.

HIV testing remains a useful starting point for discussing prevention and care. A home screening test cannot replace the clinical assessment required for injectable PrEP. Follow the instructions for your test and seek professional advice about results, recent exposure and further testing.

Recent exposure needs urgent attention

PrEP is different from post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is used after a possible HIV exposure. WHO advises starting PEP as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. Seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a home test result.

Sources and further reading

This article provides general information and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.