MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is stepping into a transformative phase in its fight against HIV, marked by the planned introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug, alongside sweeping reforms in the country’s health service delivery system.
The move is expected to reshape how HIV prevention and treatment are accessed, while also addressing long-standing challenges such as stigma and poor adherence to medication.
Health authorities have confirmed that preparations are underway to roll out Lenacapavir, a breakthrough medication designed to be administered just twice a year. Unlike conventional antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), which requires daily intake, the injectable offers sustained protection and treatment over a six-month period. This innovation is particularly significant for patients who struggle with consistent medication use or who have developed resistance to existing drugs.
Chief Government Pharmacist Daudi Msasi described the development as a turning point. “This is a major transformation. We are talking about a person receiving one injection that protects or treats them for six months. This completely changes the approach to HIV treatment,” he said during an interview in Dodoma.
Tanzania’s progress comes against the backdrop of a broader global effort to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. According to recent health data, approximately 1.7 million people in Tanzania are living with HIV, with an adult prevalence rate estimated at around 4.6 percent. While the country has made significant strides in expanding access to treatment—with over 90 percent of diagnosed individuals now receiving ARVs—challenges remain in ensuring long-term adherence and reaching vulnerable populations.
Experts say Lenacapavir could help close this gap. Clinical trials conducted in multiple countries, including Uganda in 2025, have demonstrated high levels of effectiveness in both treatment and prevention. The drug has also received international approval, with global health bodies recognizing its potential to revolutionize HIV care, particularly among high-risk groups.
In addition to introducing the new drug, the Tanzanian government is planning to phase out specialized Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs). These facilities, while critical in the past, have often been associated with stigma, discouraging some individuals from seeking care. The new strategy aims to integrate HIV services into general healthcare systems, making them more accessible and discreet.
Public health specialists believe this integrated approach will not only reduce stigma but also improve overall service delivery. “When HIV care is part of routine health services, it becomes normalized. This encourages more people to get tested and stay on treatment,” said a regional health policy expert.
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Globally, HIV treatment has evolved dramatically over the past three decades. In the early years of the epidemic, diagnosis was often considered a death sentence. However, the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in the 1990s transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition. Today, innovations like long-acting injectables represent the next frontier, offering more convenient and patient-centered solutions.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as funding gaps, health infrastructure limitations, and social stigma continue to hinder progress in many regions. In Tanzania, authorities are working closely with international partners to ensure that the rollout of Lenacapavir is both sustainable and equitable.
As the country prepares to implement these changes, optimism is growing among health professionals and patients alike. The combination of cutting-edge treatment and systemic reform signals a bold step forward in the fight against HIV.
If successfully implemented, Tanzania’s approach could serve as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating how innovation and policy reform can work together to accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.
