In a landmark move set to revolutionize HIV prevention, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable medication designed to prevent HIV infections.
Kenya has been selected as one of nine early adopter countries for the groundbreaking treatment, with availability expected by January 2026.
The announcement, made jointly by WHO and Kenya’s National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), marks a significant milestone in the global fight against HIV, particularly in high-burden countries like Kenya.
“The Ministry of Health through NASCOP, in collaboration with various partners, is actively working to ensure the availability of this innovative product for Kenyans by January 2026,” NASCOP confirmed in a statement.
Lenacapavir is the first-ever twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.
It offers a powerful alternative to daily oral pills, particularly for individuals who struggle with adherence, face stigma, or have limited access to regular healthcare.
The WHO’s newly issued guidelines officially recommend LEN as an additional PrEP option, describing it as a “historic policy move” that could reshape the global HIV prevention landscape.
“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, Lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
A Timely Response to Slowing Progress
The approval of Lenacapavir comes amid stagnating global HIV prevention efforts.
WHO data shows that 1.3 million new HIV infections were reported globally in 2024 alone a worrying trend as health systems grapple with the ongoing challenges of stigma, limited outreach, and inconsistent access to preventive care.
By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV worldwide.
The WHO African Region remains the most affected, accounting for roughly 65% of all HIV cases.
Globally, HIV-related deaths stood at approximately 630,000 last year, with 120,000 of those being children.
Treatment Access on the Rise
While prevention challenges persist, access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to improve. According to WHO, 31.6 million people were receiving ART in 2024 a notable increase from 30.3 million the previous year.
Kenya, which has long been recognized for its robust HIV response, is expected to play a critical role in demonstrating the effectiveness of Lenacapavir’s rollout in a real-world setting.
Health officials and HIV advocacy groups in the country have welcomed the development, describing it as a potentially game-changing addition to the prevention toolkit.
As preparations continue ahead of the 2026 rollout, Kenyan health authorities say public awareness campaigns, training for healthcare workers, and community engagement will be key to ensuring equitable and effective access to the new treatment.
A New Chapter in HIV Prevention
With the approval of Lenacapavir, experts are optimistic that long-acting PrEP options could help reinvigorate global efforts to reduce new HIV infections — particularly in communities where daily medication regimens have proven difficult to sustain.
“This is a step forward in achieving the global goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030,” NASCOP stated.
“Kenya is proud to be among the first nations bringing this life-changing innovation to its people.”
3 KDF Soldiers Killed, 7 Injured In IED Attack Along Kenya-Somalia Border
