Lenacapavir: What to know about HIV injection to be rolled out in Kenya

In a major stride in the global fight against HIV, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable drug, as a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option to help prevent HIV infections.

This landmark announcement was made during the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, and it signals a groundbreaking shift in HIV prevention.

Kenya has been named among the first countries selected to pilot the drug. 

Lenacapavir is an antiretroviral medication designed for people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of contracting the virus. It falls under a class of drugs known as capsid inhibitors, which work by disrupting the virus’s ability to replicate and spread within the body.

Unlike oral PrEP pills that need to be taken daily, Lenacapavir only requires two injections per year—one shot every six months.

This not only makes it more convenient but also much easier for many people to stick to.

The drug is beneficial for key populations such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, teens and young adults in high-risk areas, and individuals in serodiscordant relationships — where one partner is HIV-positive and the other isn’t.

Lenacapavir is not a treatment for HIV. It’s strictly a prevention tool — a kind of protective shield for those at risk.

According to the Kenyan Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Lenacapavir will be available in Kenya by January 2026.

The drug will be administered at select health facilities, community clinics, and possibly even pharmacies. Access will follow a routine HIV test using rapid diagnostic kits, which helps streamline the entire process.

In 2024 alone, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections reported globally. Of the nearly 40.8 million people living with HIV, a staggering 65% are in Africa.

In places where healthcare access is limited, and daily adherence to medication is a struggle, this drug could be a turning point.

Beyond medical convenience, Lenacapavir also carries a social benefit: it could reduce HIV-related stigma. Many people shy away from taking daily pills because they fear being judged or outed. But a discreet injection just twice a year lifts the stigma burden.

It’s also tailor-made for people on the move — those who travel frequently, have unpredictable schedules, or just struggle with remembering to take a pill every single day.

With Lenacapavir, there's no need for reminders, pill boxes, or daily routines. Just two appointments a year and you're covered.