Kenya Administers First Doses of Groundbreaking HIV Prevention Injection

 

In a significant milestone for public health, Kenya today launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir (also known as LEN), a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. The first doses were administered at Riruta Health Centre in Kawangware, a Nairobi slum, marking the beginning of this innovative prevention tool in the country.

The event was overseen by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who described it as "a moment of hope for thousands of Kenyan families" and a key step toward the national goal of reducing new HIV infections to zero by 2030. Kenya joins a select group of countries—among the first globally—to introduce Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, following its approval and use in places like the United States (since mid-2025), South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and others.

Key Details on Lenacapavir:

It is a long-acting injectable administered twice a year (every six months), offering highly effective protection against HIV for people at risk.

Clinical trials have shown exceptional efficacy, with some studies reporting up to 100% protection in certain populations.

The injection is given subcutaneously (under the skin) in the lower abdomen or thighs. On the first visit, recipients typically receive two injections plus oral pills for initial dosing.

It is provided free of charge at selected public health facilities.

The initial phase targets 15 high-burden counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, and Kiambu. The rollout begins in 178 facilities, with plans for phased expansion to all 47 counties.

Kenya received its first batch of 21,000 doses last week through a partnership involving Gilead Sciences (the manufacturer) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. An additional 12,000 doses are expected soon.

The first Kenyan to receive the injection was 27-year-old Samson Mutua, a delivery rider from Kawangware, who got his doses this morning at Riruta Health Centre.

This new option complements existing HIV prevention tools in Kenya, including daily oral PrEP (available since 2017) and cabotegravir (CAB-LA), another long-acting injectable introduced earlier.

Health officials emphasize that expanding choices improves adherence and uptake, particularly for those who find daily pills challenging. The Ministry of Health has trained staff, prepared facilities, and set up monitoring for side effects to ensure safe delivery.

This launch reinforces Kenya's commitment to innovative, people-centered HIV prevention amid ongoing efforts to address the epidemic, with approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV in the country.