Kenya Prepares to Launch 21,000 Doses of Breakthrough HIV Prevention Injections

The Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced that it will begin administering a “promising” new HIV prevention injection this March, marking a significant shift in the country’s fight against the virus.

The drug, known as Lenacapavir, requires only two doses per year. Health experts hail the injectable as an “immense” step forward compared to current treatments that necessitate a daily pill.

The rollout will initially target 15 priority counties. On Tuesday, Kenya received its first batch of 21,000 doses through an agreement involving the American manufacturer Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

Expanding Access Amidst Funding Challenges

Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed the phased implementation in a statement on Wednesday.

• Initial Supply: 21,000 doses delivered this week.
• Upcoming Shipments: 12,000 additional doses expected by April.
• U.S. Commitment: The American government has pledged a further 25,000 doses to Kenya, where the HIV prevalence rate stands at 3.7%.

The introduction of Lenacapavir comes at a critical time for the continent.

East and Southern Africa account for approximately 52% of the 40.8 million people living with HIV globally, according to 2024 UNAIDS data.

However, African nations are currently grappling with “drastic cuts” to humanitarian aid under the administration of President Donald Trump, which have impacted HIV/AIDS programmes across the continent.

Financing and Legal Hurdles

Kenya is one of nine African countries selected last year to introduce the drug, which has been in use in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia since December.

The deployment is supported by a landmark $2.5 billion health aid agreement signed with the United States in December—the first bilateral deal of its kind following the dismantling of USAID. Under this five-year pact:

• The United States will provide $1.6 billion for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and polio prevention.
• Kenya is expected to contribute $850 million and gradually assume more responsibility.

Despite the medical breakthrough, the funding deal faces domestic opposition. A Kenyan senator has launched a legal challenge against the agreement, citing “multiple constitutional violations.”

Source: Defi Media