Kenya has been selected among nine early adopter countries set to roll out Lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, following its approval by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), the injectable PrEP medication will be available to Kenyans by January 2026.
“The Ministry of Health through NASCOP, in collaboration with various partners, is actively working to ensure the availability of this innovative product for Kenyans,” NASCOP stated.
Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication approved for HIV prevention. It offers a highly effective and convenient alternative to daily oral pills, especially for people who face difficulties with daily adherence, stigma, or limited access to healthcare.
Announcing new global guidelines during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) in Kigali, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the rollout a “historic step” in HIV prevention. “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, Lenacapavir is the next best thing, a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” he said.
The WHO emphasized the urgency of diversifying HIV prevention methods, especially as 1.3 million new HIV infections were reported globally in 2024, with the majority in the African region. Of the 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide, about 65% are in the WHO African Region.
To boost access, WHO has also recommended simplified HIV testing protocols using rapid diagnostic tests, enabling broader distribution of LEN through pharmacies, clinics, and telehealth platforms.
LEN will be included in WHO’s expanding arsenal of HIV prevention tools, alongside daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), and the dapivirine vaginal ring. WHO is calling on governments, donors, and health organizations to fast-track national rollouts and gather real-world data on LEN’s uptake and impact.
With Kenya on the frontline of this new phase in HIV prevention, health officials are optimistic the injectable will offer renewed hope in reducing new infections, particularly among high-risk groups.
Written By Rodney Mbua
