Kenya is set to reach a decisive turning point in its public health strategy this March with the official rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medicine for HIV prevention.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the arrival of an initial 21,000 starter doses this week, marking the beginning of a phased implementation designed to curb new infections across the country.
Administered just twice a year, Lenacapavir offers a six-month window of protection per dose by blocking the virus from multiplying and establishing an infection.
Health officials emphasise that the drug is specifically for individuals who are HIV-negative, providing a discreet and highly effective alternative to daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Recent global trials have demonstrated the drug’s remarkable efficacy, with some cohorts showing a reduction in HIV transmission risk by more than 99.9%.
The first phase of the rollout will focus on 15 high-burden counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Kiambu.
These regions were selected based on high HIV prevalence and the readiness of local health facilities to manage the new commodity.
The government expects a second batch of 12,000 continuation doses by April, with the United States committing an additional 25,000 doses to ensure a steady supply.
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