Kenya is preparing to roll out a long-acting HIV prevention injection that will offer protection for six months with a single dose, marking a major shift in HIV prevention efforts. From next month, the drug will be available in only 10 counties with the highest rates of new infections, and access will be tightly regulated.
The injection, known as Lenacapavir (LEN), will initially reach about 33,000 people, according to the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (Nascop). The limited supply has led to strict eligibility criteria, with priority given to adolescents and young people, pregnant women, and key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and couples in discordant relationships.
Dr Jonah Onentiah, who leads HIV prevention at Nascop, said the government is carefully managing the rollout due to limited doses. Health workers are already being trained, and facilities offering the drug have been identified. The medication is expected to arrive in the country by the end of the month and will be provided free in public hospitals for eligible individuals.
Lenacapavir prevents HIV infection for six months but does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Before receiving the injection, individuals must undergo multiple HIV tests, meet weight requirements, and begin with a short course of oral tablets before the injection is administered.
The 10 priority counties are Nairobi, Kajiado, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Mombasa, Busia, Machakos and Kisii, selected based on new infection data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council.
Advocacy groups have welcomed the drug, noting that daily PrEP pills pose adherence challenges and stigma. However, they have also raised concerns about limited access and the narrow county focus, given that high-risk populations are spread across the country.
Lenacapavir, approved by the World Health Organization last year, showed a 99 per cent effectiveness rate in clinical trials. While an HIV vaccine remains unavailable, health experts say the injection represents a major breakthrough in prevention.
