A groundbreaking HIV prevention injection known as Lenacapavir will soon be available in Kenya, with each dose costing approximately Sh6,000 and offering protection for six full months, according to Dr. Andrew Mulwa, the head of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCOP).
Speaking in an interview with NTV Kenya, Dr. Mulwa described Lenacapavir as a major advancement in HIV prevention. However, he emphasized that while the injection is effective against HIV, it does not protect users from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When Will It Be Available?
Kenyans can expect access to the injection starting January 2026, marking a major shift in how the country tackles new infections.
Lenacapavir is expected to especially help individuals who struggle with taking daily pills, offering a long-lasting, more affordable, and powerful alternative to traditional daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
Backed by WHO and Global Health Partners
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recommended the use of Lenacapavir on July 14, describing it as a highly effective tool for HIV prevention. WHO praised its convenience, pointing out that individuals only need two injections per year for continuous protection.
WHO has also advised that Lenacapavir be added to each country’s comprehensive HIV prevention toolkit, alongside condoms, daily PrEP pills, and other available methods.
Kenya, currently ranked seventh globally in HIV burden with around 1.4 million people living with the virus, is among nine African countries selected to launch Lenacapavir under globally funded health programs. Other participating nations include Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Eswatini.
Targeting High-Risk Groups with Support from Global Fund
The injection will be distributed through large-scale programs backed by partners like the Global Fund, Tiko Africa, and UNAIDS. These programs aim to ensure broad, affordable access to the drug, especially among adolescent girls and young women, who are statistically at a higher risk of HIV infection.
The Global Fund announced that 2 million doses of Lenacapavir will be supplied globally, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, which bears the highest rate of new HIV infections worldwide.
“This agreement follows the recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June and marks one of the most significant breakthroughs in HIV prevention in decades,” the Global Fund stated.
“As the first long-acting injectable PrEP option that’s administered only twice a year, Lenacapavir will give people greater freedom and choice — especially those who face stigma, struggle with daily adherence, or have barriers accessing daily PrEP pills,” it added.
A New Hope for HIV Prevention in Kenya
The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to bring new hope, particularly for high-risk individuals, by making HIV prevention more discreet, convenient, and consistent. By eliminating the need for daily pills, the injection could significantly increase adherence and reduce new infections across the country.
As the world continues to fight the HIV epidemic, Kenya’s inclusion in the rollout marks a critical step forward, offering a new layer of protection and empowerment for vulnerable communities.
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