Joshua Marikopo

  A few days ago, my country, Zimbabwe, officially launched lenacapavir as part of its HIV prevention programme. This marks a significant milestone in our national response to HIV and could prove to be a true game changer in the fight against the epidemic. Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medicine administered twice a year for HIV prevention. Unlike traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets, which must be taken orally every day, lenacapavir offers protection through a single injection given every six months. This difference in dosing schedule represents a major shift in convenience and adherence. Daily oral PrEP has been highly effective when taken consistently, but many people struggle with adherence due to stigma, forgetfulness, mobility, or unstable living conditions. A twice-yearly injection significantly reduces these barriers and improves the likelihood of sustained protection. Clinical trials have shown that long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention is hi...

Recent global events continue to expose the deep tensions surrounding migration, citizenship, and responsibility between nations. A recent discussion I had with a colleague forced me to reflect more deeply on how different regions of the world respond to displacement and refugee crises — and why. The conversation began after reports that Kuwait had revoked the citizenship of individuals deemed not to be of “true Kuwaiti blood.” This raised broader questions for me about belonging, identity, and responsibility in times of crisis. Historically, when conflict erupts in parts of the Middle East — Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, and elsewhere — neighboring countries often hesitate to absorb large numbers of refugees. Meanwhile, Western nations, despite growing resistance, continue to accept migrants and asylum seekers in significant numbers. At first glance, this contrast can seem contradictory or even unfair. Why do culturally or religiously similar neighboring states sometimes resist...