Nyasha Sayi, a 31-year-old sex worker in Epworth on the outskirts of Harare, recently received her first lenacapavir injection. The shot is given twice a year and is part of a phase one rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention drug in Zimbabwe. Officials said at a 31 January meeting that an estimated 2,000 people have already received the injection.
The programme covers 11 sites nationwide and aims to reach about 46,000 people at high risk. It targets sex workers, men who have sex with men and other key populations. In February the US Ambassador announced a wind down of major US-supported health interventions, and a diplomatic dispute has since emerged.
Officials warn the dispute could put future doses at risk. Scientists say delays in follow-up injections might create drug resistance. Sayi said she is unsure whether she will get her next dose and that missing doses would put her at risk.
Difficult words
- rollout — the process of starting a new service
- phase — a separate stage in a processphase one
- prevention — actions to stop a disease or problem
- programme — an organised set of planned activities
- dispute — a disagreement between people or groups
- resistance — when a drug no longer works well
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would you feel if you were unsure about getting your next medical dose?
- Do you think health programmes should focus on people at high risk? Why or why not?
- Why might missing follow-up injections be a problem for a person?
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