Kenya is poised to significantly expand its HIV prevention strategies with the rollout of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication, offering a new option particularly for those at high risk of infection. The medication, which requires injections just twice a year, will be available at a cost of 7,800 Kenyan shillings (approximately $50 USD) annually, a substantial reduction from the $28,000 per person per year price tag in the United States.
The arrival of , marked the receipt of an initial consignment of 21,000 starter doses of lenacapavir, facilitated through a partnership between the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the Global Fund, and Gilead Sciences, the drug’s manufacturer. An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by , with a further 25,000 doses coming from the United States Government to support early implementation.
This new preventative measure is particularly crucial given that approximately 1.3 million people in Kenya currently live with HIV, with a disproportionate number being young adults aged 15-24. The convenience of a twice-yearly injection is expected to improve adherence to preventative measures, addressing challenges associated with daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pills, including stigma and access to healthcare facilities.
The rollout will be phased, beginning in , and will initially target 15 high-burden counties. Subsequent phases will progressively expand coverage nationwide, guided by epidemiological trends and health-system readiness, according to the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP).
Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized the safety of lenacapavir, noting its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in and subsequent endorsement by the World Health Organization in . The Pharmacy and Poisons Board in Kenya completed its own scientific review and registered both the oral and injectable formulations for national use in .
The affordability of lenacapavir in Kenya is the result of a licensing deal brokered by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Gates Foundation, and other organizations, including the South African research institute Wits RHI. Indian pharmaceutical companies, Hetero and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, will manufacture generic versions of the drug, significantly reducing the cost.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of lenacapavir, reducing new HIV infections by 96% to 100%. The treatment involves a short course of oral tablets before the first injection. This new approach to HIV prevention offers a renewed sense of hope in the national fight against the epidemic, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The introduction of lenacapavir comes at a time when African countries are facing potential reductions in global health aid, including funding for HIV/AIDS programs. Despite these challenges, the Kenyan government remains committed to innovative, people-centered approaches to ending the HIV epidemic. The medication will be provided free of charge to those who receive it.
The long-acting nature of lenacapavir addresses a critical need for more convenient and discreet prevention options. Traditional daily oral PrEP requires consistent adherence, which can be difficult for some individuals. The injectable formulation offers a simpler alternative, potentially increasing uptake and reducing the risk of infection.
While the initial rollout focuses on high-burden counties, the phased expansion aims to ensure equitable access across the country. NASCOP will closely monitor the implementation process, assessing service preparedness, commodity supply, and the overall sustainability of the program.
