The Kenyan health ministry has announced the rollout of a new HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, scheduled for March across 15 priority regions in the country. This drug, which is administered bi-annually, has demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV transmission by over 99.9%, although it is classified as a chemical drug rather than a vaccine due to its method of action. Kenya was chosen as one of nine African nations to introduce this groundbreaking treatment, following a similar rollout in other neighboring countries like South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia, which began in December.

The decision to implement lenacapavir comes in light of the fact that Eastern and southern Africa collectively account for approximately 52% of the global HIV population, which stands at 40.8 million according to recent UNAIDS data for 2024. This new intervention is particularly timely for Kenya, which has been grappling with high rates of HIV/AIDS over the past decades. The health ministry received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses through a partnership with the drug's manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, marking a significant step in the fight against this epidemic.

Health Minister Aden Duale expressed optimism about the implementation, stating that the initial phase will cover 15 counties starting in early March. The introduction of lenacapavir is expected to not only reduce new HIV infections but also provide a much-needed boost to ongoing treatment and prevention efforts in the region, furthering Kenya's commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and improving health outcomes for its population.