Kenya has officially launched Lenacapavir – a ground-breaking long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, in a major step toward curbing new infections and strengthen the national HIV response.

The launch was presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi, during which he described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a milestone in HIV prevention.

Duale noted that 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded each year. Consequently, the cabinet secretary observed that expanding innovative prevention options was critical to reversing transmission trends and protecting vulnerable populations.

Duale also 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 is offered free of charge to eligible individuals at selected public health facilities in priority counties,” disclosed the cabinet secretary. He said the rollout will follow a phased, structured approach guided by trained healthcare professionals to ensure safe and equitable access.

Notably, 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 the Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, National Aids STI Control Programme (NASCOP) CEO Andrew Mulwa, Head of Department of Family Health. Issak Bashir; Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi and development partners, among them representatives from the Global Fund, UNAIDS, WHO, US government and AHF.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi