NAIROBI — In a landmark announcement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that Kenya will be among the first nine countries globally to introduce Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. The rollout is scheduled to begin by January 2026.
Kenya joins Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in pioneering access to this biannual injection, marking a bold step forward in the fight against HIV across sub-Saharan Africa.
With a national HIV prevalence of 3.7% and approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV, the country continues to face significant challenges, particularly among young people under the age of 24—who account for 41% of new infections.
The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to enhance prevention efforts by offering a discreet and highly effective alternative to the daily oral PrEP regimen.
“Administered just twice a year, Lenacapavir offers renewed hope for populations that face stigma or difficulty adhering to daily medication routines,” said CS Duale. “Its integration into our HIV response underscores our commitment to innovation, equity, and people-centered healthcare.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lenacapavir in June 2025, and it has since been endorsed in the updated World Health Organization guidelines released in July 2025.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), has already developed an implementation plan and is finalizing national guidelines in consultation with key stakeholders.
The government is working closely with partners to ensure equitable access and smooth integration of Lenacapavir into existing health systems.
“This biomedical breakthrough marks a significant milestone in our efforts to curb the HIV epidemic. We call on all stakeholders to support this transformative initiative and help deliver this life-changing intervention to those who need it most,” Duale added.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of community engagement and cross-sector collaboration in ensuring a successful rollout. With the necessary systems and resources being mobilized, Kenya is poised to lead the region in implementing next-generation HIV prevention strategies.
As the country accelerates toward its 2026 goal, the introduction of Lenacapavir could prove pivotal in achieving a future free from HIV.
