Kenya becomes first in East Africa to launch six-month HIV prevention injection

Kenya has begun rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, with 21,000 starter doses targeted to 15 high-burden counties.

Samson Mutua was the first Kenyan to receive lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug that protects for six months with two injections per year. Kenya is the first country in East Africa and among the first globally to roll out the drug. The launch took place at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi and was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Kenya has reported progress against the epidemic, noting a reduction in new infections from 110,000 in 2013 to 15,000 in 2024, while about 1.4 million people remain living with HIV. Known details: - Lenacapavir is administered twice a year and is described as providing protection for six months per treatment cycle. - The initial rollout is backed by 21,000 starter doses targeting 15 high-burden counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Homa Bay and Kilifi. - The injection is provided free at public health facilities and is offered alongside existing prevention tools such as daily oral PrEP, condoms and voluntary medical male circumcision. - The World Health Organization supported the launch through technical guidance, adaptation of clinical guidelines, training of health workers and strengthening safety monitoring. - Clinical studies are reported to show lenacapavir can be up to 96% effective in preventing HIV infection. Summary: The rollout expands prevention choices and addresses adherence challenges associated with daily oral PrEP, as some users and health workers reported reduced pill burden. The programme will start in 15 counties with plans to expand across all 47 counties in phased stages, with ongoing monitoring and training supported by WHO.