Kenya and Zimbabwe rolls out new HIV prevention drug lenacapavir

 

Kenya has officially launched the rollout of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, becoming the first country in East Africa to offer this twice-yearly, game-changing treatment. 

The national rollout, which began in late February 2026, aims to significantly reduce new HIV infections, especially among high-risk groups, by providing an alternative to daily oral medication.

The Drug: Lenacapavir (often referred to as LEN) is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered once every six months. Studies show the drug can reduce HIV transmission risk by more than 99.9%, making it a highly effective tool for HIV-negative individuals.

The initial rollout involves 21,000 doses, targeting 15 high-burden counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Siaya.

The medication will be provided free of charge in public facilities, with the government having negotiated a price of KSh 7,800 per dose (down from an original international price of over $42,000).

The first dose was administered to 27-year-old Samson Mutua at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi. The injection addresses challenges with daily pills, such as forgetfulness and stigma, by requiring only two visits per year.

High-Risk Coverage: The program particularly targets adolescent girls, young women, and other high-risk individuals.

Kenya is one of the first nine African countries selected for the early rollout of this medication, which is supported by the Global Fund, Gilead Sciences, and UNAIDS.

Also, in the South African region, Zimbabwe’s health authorities on Thursday (19 February) began administering the long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug lenacapavir to curb new infections. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora said.

The rollout is part of a phased approach to increase access to advanced, long-acting HIV prevention tools to end  the HIV epidemic.