𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐈𝐕 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Kenya has officially launched Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, in a major step to curb new infections and strengthen the national HIV response. The launch was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi.

The CS described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a milestone in prevention efforts, noting that 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded each year. He emphasised that expanding innovative prevention options is critical to reversing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.

Hon. Duale confirmed that the medicine has met all regulatory and procurement requirements under national laws and health guidelines, with safety, quality and effectiveness rigorously assessed through international scientific review and local evaluation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, with support from the Global Fund.

The injectable will be administered twice a year and offered free of charge to eligible individuals at selected public health facilities in priority counties. Its rollout will follow a phased, structured approach guided by trained healthcare professionals to ensure safe and equitable access.

Kenya is among the first countries globally to introduce Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, signalling strong international confidence in the country’s health systems and its ability to responsibly deliver cutting-edge medical innovations.

The launch was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga; NASCOP CEO Dr. Andrew Mulwa; Family Health Director Dr. Issak Bashir; Dagoretti North MP Hon. Beatrice Elachi; and development partners including representatives from the Global Fund, UNAIDS, WHO, US Government and AHF.