Kenya to Roll Out Game — Changing HIV Drug in March. Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya is set to initiate the rollout of a groundbreaking new HIV-prevention drug, Lenacapavir, starting in early March 2026. This long-acting injectable drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, is designed to offer near-complete protection against HIV with just two shots a year.
The first phase of the rollout will commence in early March, covering 15 counties, according to Health Minister Aden Duale.
An additional 12,000 doses are expected to be made available by April.
The initial batch of 21,000 doses was received by Kenya on Tuesday through a deal with the Global Fund.
Officials commented on the matter. “It is crucial in our efforts to reduce new infections, especially among high-risk populations.”
Kenya, which has a 3.
7 percent HIV prevalence rate, has been actively working to curb new infections.
The country currently has approximately 1. 34 million people on anti-retroviral treatment.
The United States Government has also committed to providing an additional 25,000 doses of the drug to Kenya, in line with the shifting US foreign aid priorities.
In December, Kenya signed a $2. 5 billion bilateral health deal with the US, the first since President Donald Trump’s administration dismantled U.
However, the agreement has faced legal challenges, with a Kenyan senator challenging it in court, citing constitutional violations.
According to sources close to the matter, the introduction of Lenacapavir is part of the country’s broader strategy to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly in regions with high infection rates. Further details are expected as the rollout progresses.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
