Kenya, being the primary 9 international locations globally chosen to roll out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, beginning January 2026. The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) has confirmed that the injections will first be acquired in listed hospitals.
In an unique interview on July 16 with The Kenya Times, NASCOP Head Dr Andrew Mulwa defined that the federal government is working carefully with worldwide well being companions and stakeholders to make sure a easy and equitable rollout of the brand new drug.
“The HIV-preventive medicine are set to start being administered in January subsequent yr, however international discussions are nonetheless ongoing,” Mulwa confirmed.
“Once the medicine arrive within the nation, there are plans to flow into them extensively in each private and non-private hospitals. All hospitals can have entry to the medicine,” he added.
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Initial Rollout Facilities
Although the Ministry of Health has not but revealed an official checklist of hospitals that may supply the injectable HIV prevention drug, Dr Mulwa stated the rollout will seemingly start at main referral hospitals and county-level amenities with current HIV prevention and remedy programmes.
The rollout is anticipated to begin at main public hospitals, together with Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, amongst others, then prolong additional to all well being amenities, together with non-public hospitals.
Other high hospitals set to obtain the medicine embrace Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Embu Level 5 Hospital, Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kakamega County General Hospital, Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, Garissa County Referral Hospital, Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Kisumu County Referral Hospital, and Bungoma County Referral Hospital.
Cost and availability of the HIV prevention drug
Questioned on whether or not Kenyans would entry the HIV prevention drug for free of charge, Dr Mulwa clarified that whereas public amenities are anticipated to supply the injection free of charge, particularly to weak teams, non-public amenities could cost a payment.
“Probably, with regards to non-public hospitals, folks should pay for them, it relies upon,” he stated.
“The prices usually are not but approximated as a result of discussions are nonetheless ongoing. However, the federal government is on the lookout for methods to make sure that the medicine offered in public hospitals, and particularly for weak teams, can be provided freed from cost,” Dr Mulwa clarified.
He added that NASCOP was consulting with each private and non-private sector gamers to develop a pricing mannequin that helps accessibility whereas sustaining provide sustainability.
“Affordability is essential. We don’t desire a state of affairs the place a essential prevention drug is just obtainable to a couple,” he defined.
“That’s why the federal government is eager on making it free in public hospitals and dealing with companions to help this.”
Why Lenacapavir Matters
This comes after Kenya joined Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in launching Lenacapavir below a coordinated worldwide HIV prevention technique.
From the newest WHO experiences, Kenya has a nationwide HIV prevalence of three.7%, with an estimated 1.4 million folks presently dwelling with the virus.
Alarmingly, 41% of recent infections happen amongst younger folks aged under 24, making the rollout of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) a high-priority intervention.
Lenacapavir, authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025, is the world’s first twice-yearly injectable PrEP.
The drug has been endorsed within the World Health Organisation’s up to date HIV prevention pointers launched in July 2025.
How It Works
Lenacapavir is run as an injection below the pores and skin of the stomach.
Prior to the injection, sufferers could start with oral Lenacapavir tablets to arrange the physique for remedy.
The transition follows certainly one of two strategies: the Day 1–2 technique, or the 3-day technique adopted by injection after two weeks.
Once totally initiated, the injection is given each six months, making it a extra handy and discreet possibility in comparison with day by day oral PrEP drugs.
Kenyan well being officers consider that the introduction of Lenacapavir may considerably scale back new infections and enhance adherence to preventive care, particularly amongst high-risk and hard-to-reach populations.
“This milestone underscores our collective willpower to broaden entry to efficient, discreet, and sustainable prevention choices throughout the area,” stated the Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, addressing the labour committee on July 15.
“There is an urgency for impactful and tailor-made options,” he added.
