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Kenya launched a historic public health initiative on Thursday as it began administering Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, in the Kawangware area of Nairobi.
Health Minister Aden Duale, who presided over the rollout, hailed the event as a “moment of hope” for the 1.3 million Kenyans living with HIV.
Unlike traditional vaccines, Lenacapavir is a long-acting chemical drug delivered via injection just twice a year, boasting a success rate of over 99.9% in preventing transmission.
The introduction of the drug is particularly significant for Kenya’s youth and vulnerable populations.
Statistics show that those aged 15 to 24 carry the highest burden of the disease in the country, and the twice-yearly injection offers a discreet alternative to the daily oral pills previously used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Community health workers noted that the privacy and ease of the injection would likely increase adherence, as many individuals struggle with the “pill burden” or the social stigma associated with frequent clinic visits.
Credit: BBC
The first recipients of the injection shared stories of immense relief.
Samson Mutua, the first person in the country to receive the dose, called it “added protection,” while Peace Lawrence, a 23-year-old sex worker, explained that the drug removes the constant fear of infection caused by occasionally forgetting to take daily medication.
For many in high-risk environments, the six-month window of protection provides a level of security and autonomy that was previously out of reach.
Kenya is one of several African nations, including South Africa and Zambia, to fast-track the use of this innovation through a partnership with the manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, and the Global Fund.
The drug is being provided free of charge to recipients, a critical factor as African nations navigate a complex landscape of international aid.
As the first batch of 21,000 doses begins to reach those in need, the Kenyan government views this rollout as a vital new weapon in its decades-long fight to end the HIV epidemic.
