The Rwandan government has announced plans to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, in December 2026. The drug, which is administered via injection every six months, has shown high efficacy in preventing HIV infection. According to Dr. Zephanie Nzeyimana, head of HIV programs at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Lenacapavir will be provided free of charge to high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men.
Lenacapavir arrived in Rwanda on November 3, 2026, and will be rolled out in 12 selected health centers across the country. The health centers will be supported by nearby district hospitals. In Kigali, the selected health centers include Remera Mental Health Centre, Kacyiru, Kabusunzu, and Gikondo. Gikondo health center will be supported by district hospitals in Kibagabaga, Nyarugenge, and Muhima.
The introduction of Lenacapavir is part of Rwanda's efforts to intensify its HIV prevention and treatment programs. According to Dr. Nzeyimana, the drug will be offered to individuals at high risk of HIV infection, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people living with HIV who are not yet on treatment. Lenacapavir will be used in conjunction with existing HIV prevention methods, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Cabotegravir.
Lenacapavir has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HIV infection in clinical trials. The drug is administered via injection every six months, reducing the need for daily pill-taking. RBC officials say that the introduction of Lenacapavir will help to increase access to HIV prevention services, particularly among high-risk groups.
The rollout of Lenacapavir will be accompanied by a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the benefits and risks of the drug. RBC and its partners have trained healthcare workers to provide accurate and clear information about Lenacapavir and its use. The campaign aims to dispel misinformation and encourage uptake of the drug among eligible individuals.
Lenacapavir was approved for use in June 2025 and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a key tool in the fight against HIV. The drug has been developed by Gilead Sciences, a US-based pharmaceutical company. According to recent data from the US, over 25 million people in Africa live with HIV.
Key stakeholders have welcomed the introduction of Lenacapavir in Rwanda, saying it has the potential to make a significant impact on HIV prevention efforts in the country. Three key points about Lenacapavir are: it is a long-acting HIV prevention drug administered via injection every six months; it has shown high efficacy in preventing HIV infection; and it will be provided free of charge to high-risk groups in Rwanda.
Key points
- Lenacapavir will be provided free of charge to high-risk groups in Rwanda.
- The drug has shown high efficacy in preventing HIV infection in clinical trials.
- Lenacapavir will be used in conjunction with existing HIV prevention methods, including PrEP and Cabotegravir.
