Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced that Lenacapavir, a six-month injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), will be rolled out across the country by February 2026.
Kenya is one of 12 countries selected by the Global Fund to implement the new treatment, which was recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in July 2025.
The injectable PrEP, also known as Lenacapavir, offers a highly effective alternative to daily oral pills, providing six months of protection with just two doses per year. Health officials say the product is particularly beneficial for people who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or limited access to healthcare.
Dr Andrew Mutava Mulwa, Head of the National HIV and STI Programme at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that all final steps for registration and procurement are complete. “Through our collaboration with the Global Fund and other partners, we are ready to roll out Lenacapavir as part of multiple HIV prevention options, alongside oral PrEP, vaginal rings, and other tools,” he said.
The initial rollout will prioritise high-risk groups, including adolescents, young adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, female sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, and truck drivers.
Emily Mukomunene, founder of Kenyan health consultancy Kencric Consultants, welcomed the move but highlighted potential challenges. “Any new drug faces scrutiny at first. The rollout is positive, but we must ensure that the main beneficiaries, adolescents and young adults, can access it without financial or other barriers,” she said.
Partnerships with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the Wits Reproductive Health Institute have made the treatment affordable at $40 per person per year in middle- and low-income countries. Gilead Sciences, the developer of Lenacapavir, has shared its formula with generic manufacturers to make this possible.
Health experts say the introduction of a long-acting, twice-yearly PrEP could be transformative, marking a step from managing HIV/AIDS to potentially ending new infections. Other African countries, including South Africa, are also preparing to roll out the treatment.
–ChannelAfrica–
