Kenya rolls out long-acting HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, first in East Africa

By The Inspirer.

Kenya has become the first country in East Africa to receive and begin rolling out Lenacapavir (Yeztugo), a breakthrough long-acting drug designed to prevent HIV infection.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on February 17, 2026, that the country had received 21,000 doses of the drug, marking a major milestone in the region’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

The government plans to distribute the initial doses across 15 counties with high HIV prevalence. An additional 12,000 doses are expected in April 2026 to expand access to more areas.

Duale emphasised that Lenacapavir is a preventive drug and does not cure people living with HIV. He urged those already infected to continue taking their daily antiretroviral therapy or prescribed injectable treatment to maintain viral suppression and protect their health.

Developed by US-based biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir has shown remarkable results in global clinical trials. Studies conducted in several countries found that the drug reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99.9 percent when administered once every six months.

In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Lenacapavir as part of comprehensive HIV prevention strategies. The drug is seen as a significant advancement over existing options such as daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and injections administered every two months.

The development has also drawn attention in Rwanda. Dr. Basile Ikuzo, head of the HIV division at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, previously indicated that Rwanda is strengthening the use of long-acting injectable prevention methods. He noted that if ongoing engagements are successful, Lenacapavir could be introduced in Rwanda in 2026, potentially easing the burden of daily pill intake and improving adherence among people at substantial risk of HIV infection.