Kenya to Roll Out Injectable HIV Treatment in 2026
Kenya is preparing to introduce a new injectable HIV treatment starting in 2026, a major step in the country’s mission to end AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030.
President William Ruto made the announcement in a message delivered by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the World AIDS Day half-marathon held at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, November 30.
In the statement, President Ruto emphasised the need for stronger HIV prevention efforts, improved access to treatment, and more support for young people who continue to be heavily affected by the virus.
He confirmed that the government is working to adopt modern HIV care technologies, including long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (ART), which will officially begin rolling out next year.
According to the President, Kenya has made notable progress in the fight against HIV, with 87% of people living with the virus now receiving treatment.
However, he warned that adolescents and young adults still remain at high risk. He also expressed concern about the recent rise in new HIV infections and the increasing number of teenage pregnancies, calling them urgent challenges that must be addressed.
Ruto assured Kenyans that the government is committed to strengthening access to antiretroviral drugs as part of its broader goal of reducing infections and meeting global HIV reduction targets.
He added that the new injectable treatment will significantly improve convenience, encourage treatment adherence, and enhance overall health outcomes for people living with HIV.
He further reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment services to every Kenyan who needs them.
Kenya is one of nine countries selected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to pioneer the introduction of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable medication used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This rollout is expected to begin in January 2026.
The other countries participating in this initiative include Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
President Ruto also highlighted that the government will continue prioritising Universal Health Coverage, including reforms to social health insurance and increased investment in the health sector.
He applauded the ongoing partnerships led by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) and called for continued collaboration in addressing the triple threat of HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
As Kenya marks World AIDS Day on December 1, new data shows that the country recorded 19,991 new HIV cases in 2025. This represents a 19% increase compared to 2024.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 34 accounted for 54% of all new infections, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Nairobi City County recorded the highest number of new HIV cases, with more than 3,000 fresh infections reported in an official report released on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
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