Judul : Kenya to Launch Biannual Injected PrEP in 2026
link : Kenya to Launch Biannual Injected PrEP in 2026
Kenya to Launch Biannual Injected PrEP in 2026
By Sharon Atieno
Kenya is set to launch Lenacapavir, an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered twice a year, in January 2026.
The main focus will be on 10 counties, namely Nairobi, Kajiado, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Mombasa, Busia, Machakos, and Kisii.
Dr. Jonah Onentiah, the PrEP Program Technical Lead with the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Control Programme (NASCOP) under the Ministry of Health, made remarks during a media café organized by the Media for Environment, Science, Health, and Agriculture (MESHA) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
"The counties were chosen due to the rate of new HIV infections, a significant prevalence of HIV, presence of facilities with an existing monitoring and evaluation system, and a strong antiretroviral program for both the general population and key groups," Dr. Onentiah stated.
In every county, 10 facilities will be chosen, comprising initial research locations, referral hospitals, Youth Friendly clinics, and specific county health centers.
Kenya faces a substantial HIV prevalence, with approximately 1.3 million individuals living with the virus and around 20,000 new cases reported in 2025, as per theNational Council for the Control of Syndemic Diseases (NCSD)
“Lenacapavir enhances our national efforts to end new HIV infections by 2027,” said Dr. Onentiah. “It will support current HIV prevention strategies, such as daily oral PrEP, condoms, and other behavioral and biomedical approaches. It provides more options to address varying needs and preferences.”
He pointed out that the injectable PrEP provides a subtle, long-lasting option compared to daily oral PrEP. It is particularly significant for individuals dealing with stigma, difficulty in adhering to medication, and feeling tired of taking pills.
The injectable PrEP received approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in July 2025. It provides six-month protection by preventing HIV from replicating and causing an infection in the body.
Two research projects on Lenacapavir have demonstrated the medication's effectiveness in preventing HIV. OBJECTIVE A study was performed on cisgender women (individuals who were born and assigned female at birth) in Uganda and South Africa. The findings showed no instances of HIV infection among the participants. The injectable form of PrEP was also shown to be more effective than the oral version.
The Objective Two study took place across several countries (Argentina, Brazil, United States, South Africa, Mexico, Peru, and Thailand) involving cisgender men, transgender individuals, and non-binary people. The findings indicated a 96 percent decrease in HIV occurrence when compared to baseline rates. Lenacapavir was also determined to be 89 percent more effective than daily oral PrEP.
Dr. Onentiah warned that the proper use of PrEP is essential for it to work. "The medication can be effective, but without using it correctly according to the guidelines provided at the hospital, the advantages will be missed."
He mentions that injectable PrEP is accessible to everyone at risk, but a medical evaluation is required to assess suitability. This involves conducting an HIV test to check the current status; if the result is negative, an assessment is performed to identify potential HIV exposure within the past 72 hours.
"If there has been a exposure within 72 hours, we can provide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)," Dr. Onentiah adds.
The PEP evaluation is followed by a test for acute HIV infection (AHI). This process aids in identifying if there have been any indications or symptoms of AHI within the last 30 days. If there is a chance of infection, the client is advised to return after two weeks, at which point another HIV test is performed. If the result is positive, they begin treatment.
The client is also evaluated regarding the use of any additional medications. This process aids in identifying how these other drugs may interact with PrEP. When PrEP is used alongside other medications, such interactions can diminish its effectiveness, possibly decreasing its protective impact, according to Dr. Onentiah. He added that healthcare providers should inform patients about the potential reduction in optimal protection and suggest supplementary combination prevention strategies like condoms.
The evaluation also includes identifying whether the client has any medical allergies or sensitivities. This helps ensure the patient's safety and avoids serious, possibly fatal reactions.
"We have indeed developed the capabilities of our healthcare workers to enable them to guide clients through this process," he said.
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