On 1 December 2025, Zambia commemorated World AIDS Day with renewed urgency and a landmark step in HIV prevention. The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, officially launched lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option designed to protect young people and vulnerable populations from HIV. The national event was held under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Dr. Muchima reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He highlighted the ongoing challenges, particularly among youth aged 15 to 24, who account for 38% of new HIV infections. Despite progress, he emphasized that the epidemic remains a significant concern requiring innovative and resilient interventions.
Recent UNAIDS estimates indicate that Zambia has reduced new HIV infections by 52% since 2010 and cut AIDS-related deaths by 40%. The country has surpassed the global 95-95-95 targets for adults, achieving 98-98-97. Dr. Muchima stressed, however, that these gains do not mean the fight is over, calling for strengthened community-driven approaches and diversified prevention methods.
Lenacapavir represents a major milestone in HIV prevention. Administered every six months, it is the longest-acting PrEP option currently available. Its discreet and low-burden regimen makes it particularly suitable for young people and individuals who face challenges adhering to daily or frequent medication schedules. The introduction of lenacapavir is expected to expand national prevention efforts and provide more reliable protection for those at greatest risk.
Alongside the launch, Dr. Muchima unveiled the Zambia 2025–2030 HIV Prevention Roadmap. The strategy aims to reduce new infections to 15,000 by 2030 and focuses on five priority pillars. It strengthens the role of communities, local authorities, and domestic financing mechanisms, including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), in sustaining the HIV response.
The Minister emphasized the importance of integrating HIV prevention across education, social protection, and community development sectors. He called on stakeholders, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and young people to intensify prevention and accountability efforts.
“As a nation, we must turn disruption into an opportunity for transformation,” Dr. Muchima said. “If we remain united, innovative, and focused, we can end AIDS as a public health threat and ensure that no Zambian is left behind.”
The introduction of lenacapavir and the new HIV prevention roadmap marks a decisive step in Zambia’s fight against HIV. By offering longer-acting, accessible prevention options and reinforcing community-driven strategies, the country is positioned to make significant strides toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.