Kenya to Launch Long-Acting HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir in March

photo credit: BBC

Kenya is set to introduce a new long-acting HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, in March, marking a major step in the country’s fight against new infections. The injectable medication provides near-total protection against HIV with only two doses required per year.

The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent. Kenya received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses this week through support from the Global Fund.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the first phase of distribution will begin in early March across 15 counties. A further 12,000 doses are expected to arrive by April to widen access.

The rollout comes as several African nations adapt to evolving U.S. foreign aid policies under President Donald Trump. Eastern and southern Africa remain the regions most affected by HIV, accounting for 52 percent of the estimated 40.8 million people living with the virus worldwide.

The United States has also pledged an additional 25,000 doses to Kenya, where national HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 percent. In December, Nairobi and Washington signed a $2.5 billion bilateral health agreement – the first significant deal following the dismantling of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Under the agreement, the U.S. will contribute $1.6 billion over five years, while Kenya will provide $850 million, gradually increasing its share of health programme funding.

The deal, however, has drawn criticism at home, with a Kenyan senator filing a court challenge alleging constitutional concerns.

Officials say the introduction of lenacapavir could significantly strengthen Kenya’s HIV prevention strategy by offering a convenient, long-acting option that may help curb new infections nationwide.