02/08/2026
Lenacapavir 🇲🇼
Malawi Introduces Six-Month HIV Prevention Injection in Major Public Health Breakthrough
Lilongwe, June 26, Mana: Malawi has introduced Lenacapavir (LEN), a new long-acting injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered once every six months, in what health authorities and experts have described as a major milestone in the country’s HIV prevention efforts.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the rollout in a statement signed by Principal Secretary Bestone Chisamile, announcing that the intervention will officially take effect from July 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry, Lenacapavir will complement existing HIV prevention methods, including oral PrEP, CAB-LA injectable PrEP and condom use, as Malawi continues to strengthen combination HIV prevention strategies.
The introduction of Lenacapavir follows Malawi’s rollout of oral PrEP in 2019 and CAB-LA injectable PrEP in 2023, marking another significant step in expanding biomedical HIV prevention options.
Public health specialist Blessings Banda described Lenacapavir as a major scientific breakthrough and a transformative development in the fight against HIV.
“This is a big win for science and a major advancement in HIV prevention,” said Banda.
He explained that one of the key advantages of Lenacapavir is its simplified dosing schedule, which requires only two injections per year compared to daily oral medication or CAB-LA injections administered every two months.
According to Banda, the reduced treatment burden is expected to improve adherence, particularly among people who struggle with taking daily medication or making frequent visits to health facilities.
However, Banda stressed that Lenacapavir is not intended to replace existing HIV prevention methods but rather strengthen them as part of a comprehensive prevention package.
“It is complementary to other prevention modalities such as condoms, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision and Treatment as Prevention,” he said.
He noted that combining multiple prevention approaches remains critical in reducing new HIV infections, especially among high-risk populations, adolescents and mobile communities that often face barriers to accessing consistent HIV prevention services.
Unlike previous injectable PrEP rollouts that were initially introduced in selected districts, Government says Lenacapavir will be available in all districts across the country to ensure equitable access.
Banda welcomed the nationwide rollout but called for increased involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders in awareness campaigns and community outreach programmes.
He said private sector participation would be vital in strengthening public awareness, advocacy and demand creation to ensure that vulnerable and high-risk populations can access the medication.
“We need to make sure that all people at risk of HIV infection are able to access Lenacapavir, especially those who face challenges accessing prevention services,” he said.
Government says the introduction of Lenacapavir forms part of Malawi’s broader strategy to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 through modern, simplified and accessible prevention interventions
By Khumbo Msambala Salanje
