Rwanda is set to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug administered through an injection every six months, as part of efforts to expand access to preventive measures against HIV infection.
The rollout of the drug, marketed as Yeztugo, is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026, coinciding with World AIDS Day.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said the initial rollout would cover 12 selected health centres across the country’s four provinces and the City of Kigali.
Dr Zephanie Nzeyimana, an RBC official responsible for HIV prevention programmes targeting people at high risk of infection, told The New Times that Lenacapavir arrived in Rwanda on November 3, 2026.
He explained that the drug would be provided free of charge as an additional option alongside existing HIV prevention methods, including daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and injectable Cabotegravir.
Initially, Lenacapavir will be prioritised for people at higher risk of contracting HIV, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and HIV-negative partners in relationships where one partner is living with the virus.
Nzeyimana said providing the drug free of charge would make it accessible even to people who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
However, some related healthcare services may attract charges depending on an individual’s medical insurance coverage, including community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) and other insurance schemes.
“Lenacapavir will be provided alongside daily oral PrEP, which will remain available, as well as another injectable drug called Cabotegravir. However, those receiving Lenacapavir will be selected based on their risk of HIV infection, including sex workers, men who have sex with men and HIV-negative partners of people living with HIV,” he said.
12 health centres selected for initial rollout
During the first phase, Lenacapavir will be available at 12 health centres located in different parts of the country.
In Kigali, the selected facilities are Remera and Kacyiru health centres in Gasabo District, Kabusunzu in Nyarugenge District and Gikondo in Kicukiro District.
In the Eastern Province, the drug will be available at Mukarange and Nyamata health centres.
The Western Province facilities are Rubengera and Gisenyi, while Muhoza and Kinigi have been selected in the Northern Province.
In the Southern Province, the initial rollout will cover Gitarama and Rango health centres.
More than 234,000 people living with HIV in Rwanda
The introduction of Lenacapavir comes as Rwanda continues to strengthen efforts to prevent new HIV infections, provide treatment to people living with the virus and improve their quality of life.
RBC figures for 2025 indicate that approximately 234,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV.
However, HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 has declined from 2.7% to 2.2%.
Within this age group, prevalence stands at 2.8% among women and 1.5% among men.
Rwanda’s planned rollout follows similar initiatives in other East African countries, including Kenya and Uganda, which have also begun programmes to introduce Lenacapavir as part of efforts to accelerate HIV prevention.
