Kenya’s Ministry of Health has taken a major step in HIV prevention by recommending the registration of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting antiretroviral medicine.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has approved both the 300 mg tablet and 464 mg injectable solution forms of Lenacapavir for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This follows global recognition of the drug, including recent approval in the UK under the commercial name Yeytuo by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Lenacapavir offers adults and adolescents a twice-yearly injection, reducing the risk of HIV-1 infection and providing an alternative to daily oral medications. This innovation is particularly significant for individuals experiencing pill fatigue or challenges with long-term adherence to daily HIV prevention regimens.
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, noted that the recommendation comes after a comprehensive scientific evaluation of Lenacapavir’s quality, safety, and efficacy, conducted according to Kenyan law and international regulatory standards.
Kenya is now among the first African nations to recommend Lenacapavir for registration, reflecting the country’s commitment to innovative healthcare solutions and expanding access to cutting-edge technologies. The decision aligns with recent guidance from the World Health Organization and highlights Kenya’s growing capacity to ensure timely access to essential health interventions.
Lenacapavir works by targeting critical stages in the HIV lifecycle, preventing the virus from establishing itself in the body. Its long-acting formulation requires administration only twice per year, offering a practical and flexible solution for those who struggle with daily oral PrEP due to stigma, adherence challenges, or other obstacles.
Kenya has already made strides in rolling out daily oral PrEP across all 47 counties. However, long-acting injectable options like Lenacapavir address remaining barriers, broadening access to effective HIV prevention methods and ensuring that high-risk populations can maintain protection with fewer interruptions.
Preparations are underway to roll out Lenacapavir in priority areas through global partnerships, ensuring equitable and timely access to this innovative prevention tool.
The Ministry of Health continues to strengthen HIV prevention efforts, reduce new infections, and work toward the national goal of ending HIV as a public health threat—while maintaining the highest standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness of all health products introduced in Kenya.
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