In a country long burdened by one of the world’s most severe HIV epidemics, Mozambique has taken a decisive step that health officials hope could shift the trajectory of the disease—particularly for its young and most vulnerable populations. The introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, is being hailed as a potential game-changer in curbing new infections and accelerating progress towards ending AIDS.
Launched today at a health facility in Matola, on the outskirts of Maputo, the rollout marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s response to HIV/AIDS. For the first time, individuals at risk—starting from the age of 15—can receive a preventive injection just twice a year, replacing the daily burden of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
For Mozambique, the stakes could hardly be higher. The country ranks among the most affected globally, trailing only behind South Africa and Nigeria in the total number of people living with HIV. Each year, approximately 92,000 new infections are recorded, with over a third occurring among young people aged 15 to 24—a stark reminder that the epidemic continues to disproportionately affect the next generation.
Health Minister Ussene Isse described the introduction of lenacapavir as both a scientific breakthrough and a social intervention. Beyond its clinical efficacy, he emphasised its potential to reduce stigma—a persistent barrier that has long discouraged many, especially adolescents, from seeking preventive care.
Unlike daily pills, which can inadvertently expose users to judgment or discrimination, a twice-yearly injection offers discretion. For young people navigating social pressures, that difference could be transformative. “We must invest in this age group,” the minister noted, underscoring the urgency of protecting a generation that remains at the frontline of new infections.
The drug will initially be available in 55 health facilities across Maputo and Zambézia provinces, targeting high-risk groups while maintaining strict medical oversight. Crucially, it is being offered free of charge through the national health system, ensuring accessibility in a country where economic barriers often limit healthcare uptake.
Mozambique’s move places it among a small group of African nations adopting this cutting-edge prevention tool, supported by global partners including the World Health Organization and the United States Government. For both, the rollout represents not just a national milestone, but part of a broader push to bend the curve of the epidemic across the continent.
Experts caution, however, that lenacapavir is not a silver bullet. Its success will depend on sustained investment in comprehensive prevention strategies—regular testing, condom use, education campaigns, and community engagement. Mozambique’s HIV prevalence remains high at 12.5% among adults, with women disproportionately affected, reflecting deep-rooted social and structural inequalities.
Yet, amid these challenges, the introduction of lenacapavir offers something that has often been in short supply in the fight against HIV: renewed optimism.
For thousands of young Mozambicans growing up under the shadow of the epidemic, this innovation could represent more than just a medical advancement. It is, increasingly, a sign that the end of AIDS—once a distant ambition—may finally be coming into view.
