Mixed Reactions As Zimbabwe Chosen As 1 of 10 Countries For 6-Month HIV Prevention Injection

The announcement that Zimbabwe has been chosen as one of only ten countries worldwide to roll out a new, twice-yearly HIV prevention injection has ignited a storm of reactions online. For some, the news marks a historic breakthrough in the fight against one of the nation’s deadliest public health crises. For others, it raises alarm bells about being used as “guinea pigs” for foreign-developed medicine. The timing, just weeks after the United States suspended visa appointments for Zimbabweans, has further fuelled suspicion, with many interpreting the medical initiative through the lens of politics and long-standing mistrust.

A bold announcement from the U.S. Embassy

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe announced on social media. The Embassy confirmed that Zimbabwe had been selected, alongside nine other countries, for the rollout of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.

The Embassy said the rollout was made possible through a partnership with U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund, and described the development as a major leap forward. The post read in part:

“Yes Zimbabwe, it’s happening! We are excited to announce that Zimbabwe was selected as one of the ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a breakthrough development in the fight against HIV. For decades, we’ve fought to turn the tide against this epidemic, and each day we get closer.”

According to the Embassy, clinical trials showed that “more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative.”

The statement added that pregnant and breastfeeding women would be a key focus, with the initiative also aiming to strengthen Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and ensure affordability. It concluded with the bold declaration:

“This is American leadership at its best: driving innovation, and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive. Together, we’re not just fighting HIV—we’re winning.”

The World Health Organisation confirmed that nine out of the ten selected countries are African, including Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Eswatini. Deliveries of lenacapavir are expected to begin by January 2026.

A wave of anger and suspicion

The announcement, however, was immediately met with fierce debate online. Many Zimbabweans questioned why their country had been selected, drawing comparisons with the United States’ refusal to issue visas.

On X, user @Dtsongaz captured the frustration with a widely shared comment:

“: We will not give you visas.

: But you can be our test subjects.”

Another user, @__Teebo, mixed English and Shona in his post, asking:

“The US clearly stated they wasn’t with Zimbos on their visa laws. Why are they rolling out matrials kuZim [in Zimbabwe]? Actuari muchiri makavhurirei embassy kuHarare [Actually, why is the US embassy in Harare still open]?”

User Shalom Govere also linked the rollout to the travel restrictions, writing:

“The same USA that continues to support sanctions & recently halted visa appointments for Zimbabweans (without reimbursement) is the same merciful USA doing Zimbabwe a favor by choosing it as 1 of the few countries to conduct clinical trials, for a drug that has not yet been fully proven to be safe & effective?”

Others expressed their anger more bluntly. User MaiTeri Kapish said:

“No visas, no aid, sanctions but we want to choose you for a new drug??? Inga vane rudo [So much love indeed]!”

Judith Obert Rusenza highlighted the contradiction:

“Ayewa Zimbabwe inosarudzwa zvedi pakanzi vakunyimwa visa ponzi Zim! . Masanctions, Zimbabwe! Tonyima ani aid, Zimbabwe, now this.”

[Truly Zimbabwe is the chosen one. When they ask who to deny Visas, they say Zimbabwe. Sanctions, Zimbabwe! Who should we cut aid to? Zimbabwe. Now this.”

Another post from Nyasha Chigumbura said:

“Topedzwa nevakangwana nenyaya yekuda kuita kunge vanotida [We will be destroyed by clever people pretending to love us].”

Some expressed anger that Zimbabweans could be offered a drug but not the chance to travel. User Wayne Vhaulensi remarked:

“Zvavañotifàrira kudai ngavavhurire visas tigarire pedyo [If they like us this much, they should just open visas so we can live close].”

And one comment from Juliet Vera was direct:

“Mozotibaya matipa mavisa [You can inject us after you give us visas].”

These comparisons between being excluded from the U.S. while being included in a global medical rollout were a recurring theme, fuelling mistrust and anger.

Support and pragmatism amid doubt

While scepticism dominated much of the online conversation, there was also strong support for the rollout. For these voices, the injection is seen as a vital weapon in Zimbabwe’s long fight against HIV.

User Ever Moreblessing praised the initiative and challenged critics:

“You all don’t know what you are talking about, reread the post, this has been sponsored by Global Fund, the same company that has been number 1 helping Zimbabwe fighting HIV/AIDS. The very same sponsoring all children vaccinations in the country… The drug has already been approved, and the study and experiments were actually done in Zimbabwe.”

Another user, Komborerai Ayatollah Hunter Jeko, expressed full confidence and even volunteered publicly:

“I am willing to be injected even on national television. Thank you Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund. Many have been living in fear but not anymore. HIV had caused some of the youths and people to be less confident but not anymore.”

Supporters also pointed out contradictions in rejecting lenacapavir while continuing to use other American-funded health interventions. User Sr K remarked:

“So folks are refusing the injection whilst most of the donated medicines we greatly use come as a donation from America … the ART, antiTBs, children’s vaccines, family planning, condoms but the HIV vaccine is where you draw the line.”

Others described the development as “positive news in the fight against HIV”, with some even framing it as a moment of pride that Zimbabwe was selected ahead of other nations.

Between mistrust and medical need

The divided reactions reveal more than just differing opinions on a new drug.

The fact that Zimbabweans remain excluded from U.S. visa programmes while being included in this rollout has created a perception of double standards. For some, the injection represents hope and progress. For others, it is a painful reminder of unequal power dynamics.

As deliveries of lenacapavir approach in early 2026, the success of this programme may hinge not just on the drug’s clinical performance, but on how Zimbabwe’s health authorities and international partners respond to public fears. Clear communication, transparency about safety, and addressing socio-political concerns could be just as important as the science itself.

The online storm shows no signs of abating. In a country where HIV remains a critical public health issue, the debate over lenacapavir has become about more than medicine — it is about trust, dignity, and the long history of Zimbabwe’s relationship with the wider world.