Kenya has begun administering the first dose of lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, in a Nairobi informal settlement on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health response.
The injectable medication, taken twice a year, has demonstrated more than 99.9 per cent effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Although often described as vaccine-like in impact, lenacapavir is a chemical drug and does not stimulate the immune system.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the launch as a moment of renewed hope for thousands of Kenyan families, particularly young people who remain disproportionately affected by new infections. He confirmed that the drug will be provided free of charge to eligible recipients.
Kenya was among nine African countries selected last year to introduce lenacapavir. The drug has already been rolled out in South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia since December. The initial rollout follows the arrival last week of 21,000 doses secured through an agreement between Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Kenya has an estimated 1.3 million people living with HIV, with the highest burden among those aged 15 to 24. Health workers say the twice-yearly injection offers greater privacy and convenience compared to regular clinic visits for daily preventive medication, strengthening efforts to curb new infections in high-risk communities.