Gov’t launches national roll-out of HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir

Kenya has officially launched the national roll-out of the new HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, amid growing concern over a spike in new HIV/AIDS infections among young people aged below 24 years.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the long-acting PrEP, Lenacapavir, expands the country’s HIV prevention options, terming it a major milestone in strengthening the national response, particularly among the youth and other populations at risk.

Duale affirmed the safety and efficacy of the drug, noting that it will initially be rolled out in 15 counties in the first phase.

At Riruta Hospital in Dagoretti North Sub-County, Nairobi, Thursday morning unfolded with more than the usual hospital routine.

In a quiet but historic moment, Samson Mutua became the first person in the country to receive the new long-acting HIV prevention jab, Lenacapavir.

The procedure was simple but significant: two injections administered either on the abdomen or thighs, followed by four tablets, two taken immediately after the jab and the remaining two after 24 hours, a moment the 27-year-old was delighted to be part of.

“I am so happy, I am so excited, I feel protected,” stated Samson Mutua.

Samson described the drug as a significant layer of protection for young people who form part of the vulnerable population, but also issued a caution.

“It’s a game changer, but getting the injection which makes you safe for six months does not mean that you continue engaging in risky sexual behaviors. We have to continue using other protection measures like condoms so that we don’t have a situation of HIV reducing and STIs and UTIs increasing,” stated Samson.

Speaking during the launch, Duale raised concern about rising infection rates among the youth.

“This innovation gives us renewed momentum in the fight against HIV. About 1.3 million people in our country are living with HIV and many new infections continue to occur each year. What concerns us most is that a significant number of these new infections are among the youth below age 24. That is why prevention is important,” stated CS Duale.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga said the rollout signals hope in the country’s journey towards ending HIV.

“Today speaks to celebration, it speaks to hope, it speaks to the context of the work that we aspire to in 2030 to end HIV/AIDS,” stated Oluga.

NASCOP CEO Dr. Andrew Mulwa noted that while the global cost of Lenacapavir stands at 28,000 US dollars, the version being administered locally costs about 60 US dollars, nearly 700 times cheaper, thanks to support from the Global Fund.

The government has committed to covering the cost of administering Lenacapavir to all eligible Kenyans.

“In this first phase, Lenacapavir will be provided free of charge to all eligible Kenyans at selected public health facilities in priority counties, so no Kenyan should fear hidden costs or unsafe distribution, and I want to ask Kenyans to report any health worker or facility which will charge them,” stated CS Duale.

The rollout of Lenacapavir bolsters Kenya’s HIV response by reinforcing existing prevention strategies.

“I have been on oral tablets, I have used the dapivirine rings, I have been part of the studies of CAB-LA and now Lena, and I can say that Lena is going to change the whole prevention narrative,” stated Sylvia Okoth.

“It’s easier than swallowing the daily PrEP pill because sometimes you forget, sometimes you are tired and forget about your protection,” stated Samson Mutua.