In a major scientific breakthrough in the global fight against HIV, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug to be administered just twice a year.
This marks a significant advancement in HIV prevention, offering a long-acting alternative to daily pills and monthly injections.
The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, is a bi-annual pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment that has shown high efficacy in preventing HIV transmission, particularly among individuals at the highest risk of infection. Lenacapavir works by blocking the virus from entering human cells, and is hailed as a game-changer in HIV prevention efforts.
Kenya has been listed among the African countries where clinical rollout and trials will be conducted, especially targeting populations with high transmission rates. Other African nations in the pilot phase include South Africa and Uganda.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the injectable will first be administered to priority groups—including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and individuals in serodiscordant relationships. Health officials say the country is ready for pilot implementation, with early distribution expected in select health facilities by the end of 2025.
Dr. Josephine Wanjiru, head of Kenya’s National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), said:
“We welcome this milestone. A twice-a-year HIV prevention injection could significantly reduce new infections and ease the burden of daily adherence for many Kenyans.”
With over 38 million people living with HIV globally, and sub-Saharan Africa carrying the highest burden, Lenacapavir’s approval is being celebrated as a turning point in preventive care.
