AfriPulse
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth addresses the press after receiving the initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of the long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir
Kenya has taken a major step in its fight against HIV after receiving its first shipment of 21,000 starter doses of lenacapavir, a breakthrough long-acting injectable for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The arrival of the consignment signals a significant boost to the country’s HIV prevention strategy, positioning Kenya among the first nations in East Africa to introduce the innovative drug.
Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth officially received the shipment, describing the rollout as a milestone in Kenya’s push for modern, person-centered healthcare solutions. He noted that Kenya’s early adoption of lenacapavir demonstrates the country’s readiness to integrate advanced HIV prevention tools into its public health system.
Lenacapavir has already gained global attention as a long-acting antiretroviral treatment for adults living with multidrug-resistant HIV. However, health experts now view it as a powerful preventive tool for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV.
Not a Vaccine, But a Long-Acting HIV Prevention Option
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth receives the first shipment of 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir.
Health officials clarified that lenacapavir is not a vaccine. Instead, it works as a preventive medicine administered through an injection twice a year, once every six months.
The annual cost of the treatment stands at KSh7,800, a figure health authorities say reflects efforts to make the drug accessible while sustaining supply.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved lenacapavir in June 2025. Shortly afterward, the World Health Organization endorsed its use, paving the way for broader global adoption.
In Kenya, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board completed its scientific review in January 2026 and cleared the drug for national use, allowing the Ministry of Health to proceed with implementation.
Global Support and Additional Doses Expected
The Global Fund supported the delivery of the initial 21,000 doses. Officials expect an additional 12,000 follow-up doses to arrive by April 2026.
The United States government has also pledged 25,000 extra doses to strengthen the early stages of the rollout, ensuring that more Kenyans can access the long-acting HIV prevention injection during the initial phase.
NASCOP to Lead Phased Rollout
The Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), will oversee a staggered rollout beginning in March 2026.
The first phase will target 15 high-burden counties, focusing on regions with persistently high HIV infection rates.
The rollout will begin in:
Coast Region: Mombasa and Kilifi
Eastern Region: Machakos
Western & Nyanza Regions: Kakamega, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, and Homa Bay
Health authorities will implement two additional phases to expand access to the rest of the country.
Kenya continues to face a significant HIV burden, particularly among young people, who account for 41 percent of all new infections. Public health experts believe that introducing a twice-yearly injectable PrEP option could dramatically improve adherence compared to daily oral pills, especially among populations that struggle with consistent medication use.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
