Kenya Receives First Shipment of Long-Acting Injectable HIV Drug
Kenya has received its first batch of the long-acting injectable HIV drug, Lenacapavir, a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to prevent new HIV infections.
This marks a major step forward in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of HIV and enhance access to modern, patient-friendly prevention methods.
The shipment, delivered on Tuesday, February 17, came through a partnership with the Global Fund and included 21,000 starter doses of the drug. These doses, sourced from the United States, will form the first phase of Kenya’s national rollout program.
The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to adopting innovative and people-centered strategies in the fight against HIV.
The rollout is set to begin in March 2026 and will be managed by the National AIDS Control Programme (NASCOP). The first phase will focus on 15 counties with the highest HIV burden, ensuring that areas most in need benefit from the new intervention.
The government approved the rollout only after completing a thorough review confirming the drug’s safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Upon receiving the shipment, Patrick Amoth, Health Director General, confirmed that an additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected in April to support patients who start on the drug.
He also noted that another 25,000 doses from the U.S. government will be shipped later to further strengthen early implementation efforts.
Amoth reassured the public about the safety of the drug, highlighting that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lenacapavir in June 2025, prior to its endorsement by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Additionally, in January 2026, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board completed a scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable formulations for local use.
Lenacapavir is administered twice a year, making it more convenient than daily oral pills. The government has set an estimated cost of Ksh 7,800 per patient, which is far more affordable compared to previous HIV prevention options that cost up to Ksh 4.2 million.
The drug works by targeting crucial stages of the HIV lifecycle, preventing the virus from establishing a lasting infection in the body.
Its unique long-acting formulation not only reduces the burden of daily medication but also aims to improve adherence among patients, expanding access to effective HIV prevention.
By providing a twice-yearly alternative, Lenacapavir is expected to enhance compliance and reach more people, particularly those who struggle with daily pill regimens.
The rollout of Lenacapavir is also expected to complement Kenya’s broader HIV prevention efforts, including strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and will support the country’s goals toward universal health coverage (UHC).
Health experts believe that introducing such innovative interventions could significantly strengthen Kenya’s fight against HIV, bringing the nation closer to achieving its target of ending the epidemic.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
