Kenya rolls out long‑acting injectable HIV prevention Lenacapavir

Kenya has introduced lenacapavir, a long‑acting injectable used for HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis, requiring only two doses per year. The drug, now available in Kenya and several other African nations, promises higher adherence compared with daily oral PrEP pills and aims to improve access equity by arriving in low‑ and middle‑income countries almost simultaneously with high‑income markets. Dr Githinji Gitahi, Director General of Amref Health Africa, highlighted the program’s potential to simplify prevention for people at high risk and stressed the importance of health‑system readiness to ensure sustainable delivery.

Parallel research on broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) shows that 20‑30 % of treated individuals can maintain viral suppression longer than with standard antiretrovirals. These antibodies can target the HIV reservoir, though recent viral strains are becoming less sensitive. Studies suggest that combining bNAbs and leveraging pre‑existing immune responses could delay viral rebound, informing future vaccine strategies and patient‑selection tools.