- Kenya was selected as one of nine countries to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP.
- The drug, approved by the WHO, will be available to Kenyans by January 2026.
- Lenacapavir only needs to be taken twice a year and is highly effective in preventing HIV.
- WHO calls it a “historic step” amid rising global infection rates.
- Kenya’s Ministry of Health is preparing rollout plans through NASCOP and partners.
Kenya is set to introduce Lenacapavir (LEN), a new long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, after being named among nine early adopter countries approved for rollout by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The new injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, which only needs to be administered twice a year, will be available to Kenyans by January 2026, according to the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP).
“The Ministry of Health through NASCOP, in collaboration with various partners, is actively working to ensure the availability of this innovative product for Kenyans,” the agency stated.
Lenacapavir is being hailed as a game-changer in HIV prevention, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP—especially for individuals who face challenges with daily adherence, social stigma, or limited access to healthcare.
Speaking during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) in Kigali, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the approval and rollout as a “historic step”.
“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, Lenacapavir is the next best thing. It’s a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” said Dr. Tedros.
According to WHO, 1.3 million new HIV infections were reported worldwide in 2024, the majority of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 40.8 million people currently living with HIV, about 65% reside in the WHO African Region.
To improve accessibility and scale up delivery, WHO is also recommending simplified HIV testing protocols, including the use of rapid diagnostic tests, to distribute LEN via clinics, pharmacies, and telehealth platforms.
Lenacapavir will join the WHO’s lineup of approved HIV prevention methods, which includes: Daily oral PrEP, Injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), Dapivirine vaginal ring.
The WHO is urging governments, donors, and healthcare providers to fast-track national rollouts and collect real-world data to monitor the drug’s uptake and long-term effectiveness.
Kenyan health officials are hopeful the injectable will make a significant impact, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations, as the country continues its fight to reduce new HIV infections.
