Kenya is among the many first 9 African nations chosen to launch a groundbreaking injectable HIV prevention treatment, Lenacapavir, by January 2026.
This was introduced by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, affirming that Kenya will likely be among the many nations to launch the twice-yearly injection alongside Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The introduction of Lenacapavir is a giant leap within the combat in opposition to HIV, notably in sub-Saharan Africa, which nonetheless bears the best burden of recent infections.
Lenacapavir is the primary and solely injectable PrEP to be awarded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval that gives six months’ safety in a single dose. The World Health Organization (WHO) added the drug to its new HIV prevention pointers issued in July 2025, paving the way in which for world uptake.
“This milestone underscores our collective dedication to develop entry to efficient, discreet, and sustainable prevention choices throughout the area,” mentioned CS Duale.
“There is an urgency for impactful and tailor-made options.”
Lenacapavir presents a game-changing various to each day oral PrEP by tackling two main hurdles which have restricted its uptake adherence and stigma, particularly amongst susceptible teams.
The Ministry of Health says an implementation plan is already underway. Developed by a broad consultative course of with key stakeholders, the plan outlines how Lenacapavir will likely be built-in into Kenya’s present HIV prevention framework. The nationwide pointers that can information the scale-up of the drug are being finalized.
CS Duale reiterated the federal government’s dedication to HIV prevention selections which are accessible and inclusive.
He famous that the addition of Lenacapavir to Kenya’s HIV response technique is proof of the broader nationwide curiosity in fairness, innovation, and community-led well being options.
Its roll-out will likely be led by the Ministry of Health by the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), alongside a community of well being organizations with lively roles in HIV therapy and prevention.
