Global Fund pledges Sh256 million for Kenya’s Lenacapavir rollout

Samson Mutua receives Kenya's first injection of Lenacapavir to prevent HIV at the Riruta Health Centre in Kawangware.

The Global Fund has committed an additional Sh256 million ($2 million) to support Kenya’s rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, officials announced during the national launch in Nairobi on Thursday.

The six-monthly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was launched at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi.

Kenya received 21,000 doses early this month, funded by the Fund at about Sh370 million ($2.9 million).

Global Fund Senior Portfolio Manager Paul Maccarrick described the moment as historic.

He said the Sh256 will specifically fund programme rollout activities, including service delivery support, training, community engagement and systems required to ensure eligible beneficiaries can access the drug safely and consistently.

“In the spirit of continuing commitment, Global Fund has directly invested $2.9 million (about Sh370 million) for this initial procurement of the product being launched here today, and a further $2.0 million (about Sh256 million) for programme implementation rollout to ensure access by targeted beneficiaries,” Maccarrick said.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP administered twice a year after initiation. Health officials say it offers a new prevention option for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection, particularly those who struggle with adherence to daily oral medication.

Maccarrick said the launch goes beyond science.

“It also demonstrates the strength of global partnership, particularly the collaboration among the Global Fund, Pepfar, and Gilead Sciences to ensure that this life-saving innovation is delivered at a more affordable and accessible price. Such collective action is essential if we are to end Aids as a public health threat,” he said.

Kenya becomes one of the first countries in the region to introduce the injectable prevention option within its public health system, beginning with 15 high-burden counties.

The Ministry of Health says the phased rollout will prioritise populations at substantial risk as part of efforts to reduce new HIV infections to zero by 2030.

The Global Fund has been a major financier of Kenya’s HIV response for over two decades.

“Since 2003, for over twenty years, the Global Fund has stood alongside Kenya as a committed partner in the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria; investing over $2.0 billion (about Sh250 billion) to strengthen HIV, TB and Malaria treatment, care and support, and prevention; as well as systems for health,” Maccarrick said.The rollout in Kenya is being masnaged by the National Aids and STIs Control Programme (Nascop).