Kenya Launches Lenacapavir, a Long-Acting Injectable for HIV Prevention

Kenya has taken a major step in the fight against HIV with the official launch of Lenacapavir prevent HIV infections. The launch, presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, took place at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi.

CS Duale described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a significant milestone in Kenya’s HIV prevention efforts, noting that approximately 1.4 million Kenyans are currently living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded annually. He emphasized that expanding innovative prevention options is critical to reversing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.

“This injectable, administered twice a year, will be offered free of charge to eligible individuals at selected public health facilities in priority counties,” Duale said. “Its rollout will follow a phased, structured approach guided by trained healthcare professionals to ensure safe and equitable access.”

The Health CS confirmed that Lenacapavir has met all regulatory and procurement requirements under Kenyan law, with its safety, quality, and effectiveness rigorously assessed through both international scientific review and local evaluation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, National AIDS/STI Control Programme CEO Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of Department of Family Health Dr. Issak Bashir, and Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, alongside representatives from the Global Fund, UNAIDS, WHO, the US government, and AHF.

The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to significantly strengthen Kenya’s HIV prevention strategy, offering a convenient, long-acting option that could transform the landscape of HIV care and reduce new infections across the country.