By Burnett Munthali
Malawi has recorded a major increase in the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with more than 272,000 people having started the prevention medication since its introduction in 2021.
Local media reports, citing figures from the Ministry of Health, say 272,225 people had cumulatively initiated PrEP by June 2026, while 122,488 people were actively using the prevention medication at the end of the same month. The Times Group also reported that 1,392 people had started Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option introduced in Malawi in June 2026.
The latest figures highlight the growing range of HIV prevention choices available in the country.
Malawi initially introduced daily oral PrEP in 2021 before adding injectable Cabotegravir in 2024. The introduction of Lenacapavir in June 2026 has now brought the number of available PrEP options to three.
Health authorities say interest in PrEP has been particularly strong among people aged between 20 and 34, with preliminary data from facilities offering all three options indicating growing preference for Lenacapavir.
Lenacapavir is currently being offered at 14 health facilities in Lilongwe and Blantyre. The Ministry of Health plans to expand availability to 48 sites during the first phase, followed by an increase to 100 facilities from mid-September and further expansion in December.
The expansion is expected to make long-acting HIV prevention more accessible, particularly for people who face difficulties adhering to daily oral medication.
Malawi officially launched Lenacapavir in July 2026, with health authorities describing the twice-yearly injection as an important addition to the national HIV prevention response.
Public health advocates have also welcomed the development, saying the new option gives people greater choice in deciding how they want to protect themselves against HIV.
With the planned nationwide expansion, the government expects more people to gain access to long-acting PrEP as Malawi continues its efforts to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen HIV prevention services.
