Kenya will begin rolling out a groundbreaking new HIV-prevention drug in March, offering near-complete protection with just two injections per year. The move comes as African nations adjust to shifting United States foreign aid priorities.
The drug, lenacapavir, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent. Kenya received its first batch of 21,000 doses on Tuesday through a partnership with the Global Fund.
Health Minister Aden Duale announced that the initial phase of the rollout will begin in early March and cover 15 counties. An additional 12,000 doses are expected by April to expand access.
The rollout comes at a time when several African countries are navigating reductions in foreign assistance under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Eastern and southern Africa account for 52 percent of the 40.8 million people living with HIV globally, underscoring the region’s critical need for sustained prevention efforts.
The United States has pledged an additional 25,000 doses to Kenya, where HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 percent. In December, Kenya signed a $2.5 billion bilateral health agreement with Washington — the first major deal since the dismantling of USAID.
Under the agreement, the US will provide $1.6 billion over five years, while Kenya will contribute $850 million, gradually assuming greater financial responsibility for its health programmes.
However, the deal has faced domestic scrutiny, with a Kenyan senator challenging it in court over alleged constitutional violations.
The introduction of lenacapavir is expected to mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s HIV response, offering a long-acting prevention option that could transform efforts to curb new infections nationwide.
Melissa Enoch
