NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – The Ministry of Health has recommended the registration of Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral medicine for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the recommendation, made through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, covers Lenacapavir 300 mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464 mg injectable solution.
“The injectable formulation can be administered twice a year, providing an alternative to daily oral PrEP for individuals who struggle with pill adherence,” he stated.
Kenya is among the first African countries to register Lenacapavir, aligning with global public health guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“The move underscores Kenya’s growing regulatory capacity and commitment to timely access to innovative health technologies,” Duale stated.
Lenacapavir works by targeting critical stages of the HIV lifecycle, effectively preventing infection.
Its long-acting formulation is particularly beneficial for those who experience pill fatigue, stigma, or challenges with daily adherence.
The Ministry highlighted that Kenya has made significant progress in expanding daily oral PrEP across all 47 counties.
However, long-acting injectable options like Lenacapavir have the potential to broaden access to effective HIV prevention and improve adherence rates nationwide.
