Ascend Futures Foundation welcomes the approval of Lenacapavir by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA)—a breakthrough long-acting HIV prevention option. This milestone marks a new era in Zambia’s HIV response, expanding choice through twice-yearly injectable and oral formulations that can improve adherence and advance national goals to end HIV transmission.
For thousands of young women and key populations, this approval offers hope for prevention methods that fit real lives. It reaffirms that scientific innovation must be matched with equity and access, ensuring no one is left behind because of geography or circumstance.
“Science has delivered a powerful tool, but its success depends on our communities,” said Ms Chilufya Hampongo, Executive Director of Ascend Futures Foundation. “We must engage, educate, and empower people at risk so that everyone can benefit from this new prevention choice.”
“Lenacapavir means choice and control,” added Diana, a peer educator in Lusaka. “We can finally plan our protection around our lives—not the other way around.”
Our Commitment
- Advocate for affordable pricing and sustainable procurement.
- Support health-system readiness by training mobilizers and peer educators.
- Lead community-driven demand creation and equitable outreach.
- Strengthen accountability through community monitoring and policy engagement.
As Zambia leads with this approval, Ascend Futures Foundation stands ready to share lessons with other African countries pursuing similar access pathways.
Call to Action
Approval is only the beginning. We call on the government, donors, and partners to:
Finalise rollout guidelines and ensure sustainable financing, invest in community engagement and health worker training, strengthen supply chains and data systems for equitable rollout.
This is Zambia’s moment to lead Africa’s next chapter in HIV prevention. When government, science, and communities move together, long-acting options like Lenacapavir bring us closer to an HIV-free generation, rooted in equity, dignity, and shared responsibility.