New HIV Prevention Injection Debuts in Kenya
By Ekanem Asuquo
Kenya will in March begin the rollout of a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, offering fresh momentum in the country’s fight against new infections.
The long acting injectable medication, produced by Gilead Sciences, provides near complete protection against HIV with just two doses administered each year. Clinical findings indicate that the drug reduces the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent when used as prescribed.
An initial 21,000 doses have been delivered to Kenya under a Global Fund agreement, with an additional 12,000 expected by April. The first phase of the programme will cover 15 counties, targeting populations considered most at risk.
Health officials say the introduction of lenacapavir represents a major advancement in prevention efforts, particularly in a region that continues to shoulder a disproportionate share of the global HIV burden.
Eastern and southern Africa remain the hardest hit regions, accounting for more than half of the estimated 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide. Experts believe long acting preventive options such as lenacapavir could significantly cut new infections and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic.
The rollout also comes as African countries adjust to evolving foreign aid priorities from the United States under President Donald Trump, prompting renewed emphasis on strengthening domestic health systems and financing.
Kenyan authorities say preparations are underway to ensure effective distribution, monitoring and public awareness as the programme gets underway next month.
