Lusaka: United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is collaborating with Zambian partners and communities to support the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention medicine, marking a significant step in the fight against HIV infections in the country. The initiative aims to ensure that this innovative preventive measure reaches those most in need, enhancing Zambia's ongoing efforts to curb new HIV infections. According to African Press Organization, the Government of Zambia recently received its first shipment of the US-funded, long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, Lenacapavir. The arrival was marked by a ceremony at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, attended by George Sinyangwe, the Ministry of Health's Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, and Frank Garcia, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. This development underscores the enduring strategic health partnership between Zambia and the United States. The efficacy of Lenacapavir, proven to be nearly 100% effective in preventing HIV infection, presents an opportunity for Zambia to build upon its progress in the HIV response and advance efforts to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat. UNAIDS is committed to working with various partners to provide data and evidence on high-risk populations to guide the rollout and scale up access, aiming to reach 82,000 individuals by the end of 2026 across 542 health facilities. UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Anne Githuku-Shongwe, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting that the rollout of Lenacapavir brings Zambia closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat. Approximately 21,000 beneficiaries are expected to be pregnant and breastfeeding women, which will bolster efforts to protect maternal health and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV, currently estimated at around 6% in Zambia. Frank Garcia highlighted the US's commitment to standing with Zambia in its Lenacapavir rollout, reflecting a longstanding partnership in the country's HIV response through the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 26.3 million of the 41 million people living with HIV globally, sees Zambia joining other regional countries in receiving this groundbreaking prevention medicine. In 2025, Zambia reported 23,000 new HIV infections, with adolescents and young people comprising 37% of these new cases. Notably, 29% are adolescent girls and young women, who continue to face disproportionate vulnerability to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The introduction of Lenacapavir as a discreet, long-acting prevention method offers critical additional protection for these at-risk groups. Ms. Githuku-Shongwe emphasized that Lenacapavir's introduction provides an opportunity to expand prevention efforts, ensuring they reach those most in need, particularly adolescent girls and young women. UNAIDS will integrate Lenacapavir into Zambia's broader combination HIV prevention strategy, offering strategic coordinati on, technical advice, and advocacy to ensure an equitable and evidence-guided rollout. UNAIDS has long supported Zambia's national HIV response, assisting in policy development, strategic information, sustainability, community engagement, and ensuring that HIV services reach the most vulnerable populations. The integration of Lenacapavir marks an important chapter in this ongoing partnership.