Malawi’s rollout of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, has been delayed, raising concern for high-risk groups who continue to face elevated infection risks.
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) says the country expects its first doses by the end of the first quarter of next year, but the timeline remains uncertain.
NAC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje said the introduction of Lenacapavir depends on regulatory approval from the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority, as well as global shipping processes.
“We’ve been promised doses by February, but approval and logistics will determine when they actually arrive,” she said.
Lenacapavir, taken twice a year, is expected to strengthen Malawi’s HIV prevention efforts, especially among groups with low clinic attendance or inconsistent access to daily prevention tools.
These include fishermen, migrant workers, uniformed forces, kabaza riders and men in informal employment, groups Malawi is targeting in this year’s decentralized World AIDS Day commemorations.
The delay comes as men and children continue to lag behind in Malawi’s HIV targets.
While the country achieved the global 95-95-95 goals ahead of schedule in 2024, men remain behind in testing, with the first 95 still at 94 percent, and children are even further behind, stuck between 70–80 percent on key indicators.
Civil society organisations say the timing of the delay is worrying, especially as donor funding cuts have disrupted community HIV services.
Malawi Network of AIDS Services (Manaso) Executive Director Emily Kaimba said the withdrawal of some donors has resulted in layoffs and reduced community outreach.
“The impact is big. Resources for communities have been cut, but the need for HIV prevention is increasing,” she said.
Manet+ Executive Director Lawrence Khonyongwa added that Malawi must begin preparing to finance its own HIV response ahead of the 2030 global deadline.
“You cannot promise free ARVs without money to buy them. Government must start taking responsibility now,” he said.
The arrival of Lenacapavir could help close gaps in prevention, but the delay means Malawi must intensify HIV testing, especially among men, before the new technology becomes available.