Mombasa Rolls Out Six-Month HIV Prevention Injection in Major Public Health Milestone

Mombasa County has begun rolling out a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, marking a major step forward in the fight against new infections. The injectable drug, Lenacapavir, was officially introduced in the county with the first client receiving the shot at Tudor Sub-County Hospital.

The rollout follows the national launch of the injectable on February 26, 2026 in Nairobi by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. With the introduction of the new medication, Kenya became the first country in East Africa to offer the long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which provides protection against HIV infection for up to six months.

Health officials in Mombasa say the new option could transform HIV prevention by making protection easier and more convenient for people at risk of infection.

Dr. Ahmed Adam, Head of Research and Partner Relations in the Department of Health Services for the county government, described the rollout as an exciting moment for public health in the coastal region.

“Today we are very excited because we are rolling out the injectable PrEP here in Mombasa County,” Dr. Adam said. “This is Lenacapavir, which protects a person for six months, while Cabotegravir protects for two months.”

According to Dr. Adam, the new injection offers a major advantage over daily oral PrEP medication, which some users struggle to maintain due to pill fatigue, stigma, or difficulties accessing regular refills.

“For many people, taking a pill every day can be challenging,” he explained. “This injectable option reduces the burden of daily medication and offers discreet protection for individuals who may face stigma or logistical challenges.”

Expanding prevention options

County health officials say the rollout will initially cover ten health facilities spread across the county’s six sub-counties, ensuring access for the general population, key populations, and vulnerable groups who face higher risks of HIV exposure.

Jackline Tsuma, the HIV Coordinator for Jomvu Sub-County who represented the county HIV coordinator during the launch, outlined where the new services will be available.

In Mvita Sub-County, the injection will be offered at Mvita DICE and Tudor Sub-County Hospital. In Jomvu, services are available at Matunda Wellness Centre and Miritini CDF. In Kisauni Sub-County, residents can access the injection at North Upper Kenya DICE and Junda Dispensary, while Kisauni DICE will serve key populations in Nyali Sub-County.

Tsuma emphasized that the injection is available to anyone facing ongoing risk of HIV infection, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

“Everyone with ongoing risk will access the commodity after screening for eligibility,” she explained. “The key requirement is being HIV-negative and having had sexual contact with someone whose HIV status is unknown within the last six months.”

Focus on protecting mothers and babies

Health officials are also prioritizing pregnant and breastfeeding women who attend antenatal clinics, as the county has recorded new HIV infections among mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

“Our main target includes ANC mothers because we are seeing new infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women,” Tsuma said. “We want to reduce those infections so that babies are not born with HIV or exposed to the virus.”

Before receiving the injection, clients must undergo screening by healthcare professionals. Individuals with active liver or kidney disease may not qualify for Lenacapavir but can still access other HIV prevention options such as condoms or alternative PrEP medications.

Addressing the HIV burden

According to county health data, Mombasa County has an HIV prevalence rate of about 4.2 percent. Approximately 51,000 people living with HIV are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy in public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the county.

Health experts believe the introduction of Lenacapavir could significantly reduce new infections by improving adherence to prevention medication.

For many people living in high-risk environments, the six-month injection offers convenience and privacy that daily pills cannot always provide.

Community voices welcome the injection

Husna Aisha, a peer educator with Coastal State Empowering Community and a PrEP champion in Mombasa, welcomed the new prevention option, saying it addresses many challenges faced by earlier methods.

“I used oral PrEP when it was first introduced and later tried the prevention ring, but the ring had limitations,” she said. “Now with the injection, the burden of taking daily pills is gone. You get protection that lasts six months.”

Aisha noted that oral PrEP users sometimes faced obstacles such as drug shortages, missed doses, or stigma associated with being seen taking daily medication.

“I decided to take the injection for my own safety,” she said. “I may try to be faithful, but my partner may not, so I have to protect myself.”

Health officials say the rollout represents a new chapter in HIV prevention efforts, offering residents a powerful and convenient tool to safeguard their health while helping the county move closer to ending new HIV infections.