Kenya Launches Nationwide Rollout of Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection Lenacapavir
The injectable drug, administered twice a year, will be offered as part of Kenya’s expanded HIV prevention strategy. Health officials say the move is aimed at accelerating progress toward reducing new HIV infections to zero within the next five years
By : Mweru Mbugua
Kenya will on Thursday, February 26, 2026, begin the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection, marking a major step in the country’s push to eliminate new infections by 2030
The injectable drug, administered twice a year, will be offered as part of Kenya’s expanded HIV prevention strategy. Health officials say the move is aimed at accelerating progress toward reducing new HIV infections to zero within the next five years
However, medical experts have clarified that not everyone at risk will qualify for the injection. Only individuals who test HIV-negative and have not had possible exposure to the virus within the previous 72 hours will be eligible to receive the jab
Healthcare providers are also urging prospective recipients to disclose any other medications they may be taking, including tuberculosis treatment and sexual performance enhancement drugs, due to the risk of harmful drug interactions
Kenya recorded more than 19,000 new HIV infections in 2024 — an average of about 52 new cases per day. Officials hope the introduction of Lenacapavir will significantly lower these numbers
Lenacapavir is a long-acting form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and will complement existing prevention methods such as daily oral PrEP and Cabotegravir injections. Research indicates that when used correctly, Lenacapavir is up to 96 percent effective in preventing HIV infection
Under the new programme, eligible individuals will receive two injections per year, spaced six months apart
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The government has outlined a three-phase rollout plan. The first phase will cover 15 counties with high HIV prevalence and new infection rates. A second phase will extend to another 15 counties, followed by a final phase targeting 17 counties across the country
Health authorities say the injectable option is expected to improve access to prevention services, particularly for individuals who face challenges adhering to daily oral medication
The rollout represents one of Kenya’s most significant recent interventions in the fight against HIV, as the country intensifies efforts to curb transmission and safeguard vulnerable populations
