Kenya is set to revolutionise its HIV prevention efforts with the rollout of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking drug that offers near-complete protection against HIV transmission with just two injections a year. The drug, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent.
Kenya received its first batch of 21,000 doses on Tuesday through a deal with the Global Fund, with an additional 12,000 doses expected by April. The initial rollout will cover 15 priority counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
“This is a game-changing HIV prevention treatment,” said the US Embassy Nairobi. Health Minister Aden Duale emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “The first phase of implementation will begin in early March, covering 15 counties.”
The rollout comes at a critical time, as African countries navigate shifting US foreign aid priorities under President Donald Trump. Eastern and southern Africa account for over half of the 40.8 million people living with HIV globally.
Kenya’s HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 percent, with approximately 1.34 million people on anti-retroviral treatment. The introduction of lenacapavir is expected to significantly reduce new infections, particularly among young people.