By Monica Nashon
Kisii County has begun rolling out a new HIV prevention drug known as Lenacapavir, marking a significant step in strengthening efforts to curb new infections in the region.
The drug, administered through an injection twice a year, offers an alternative to the daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets traditionally used to prevent HIV.
Speaking during the rollout at Getembe Hospital, Kitutu Central Sub-County AIDS and STI Coordinator Margaret Onkoba said the injectable drug targets individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
She explained that unlike oral PrEP, which must be taken every day, the new injection is administered only twice a year, six months apart.
Onkoba noted that the drug is intended for people who may be exposed to HIV, including individuals who engage in unprotected sex with partners of unknown HIV status or those with multiple sexual partners.
However, she emphasized that the injection only protects against HIV and does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
Before receiving the injection, individuals must first test HIV negative and meet other eligibility requirements.
The drug is administered either in the stomach or thigh and is now available in selected health facilities across the county.
Associate Director for the Western Kenya Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Appolonia Aoko, said Kenya officially launched the drug nationally on February 25, making it among the first countries in Africa to adopt the innovation.
She noted that the country plans to roll out about 58,000 doses this year, with 33,000 doses already secured through the Global Fund and an additional 25,000 expected in August 2026.
Kisii County Director of Medical Services Dr. Matiko Giabe said the county has received about 500 doses for the initial phase, with 44 already available at Getembe Hospital.
The injection will be offered free of charge in several facilities including Getembe Hospital, Keumbu Hospital, Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Gucha Hospital, Iyabe Hospital, Magena Hospital, Nyacheki Hospital, Nduru Hospital and Gesusu Hospital.
One beneficiary, Mary, thanked both the national and county governments for including key populations in the program, noting that the injection will benefit many people in the community.
Another beneficiary, John, said the new method will make prevention easier since users will only need to visit health facilities twice a year instead of monthly, as is the case with oral Prep.
Health officials say the injectable option is expected to reduce stigma and the burden of daily medication, strengthening ongoing efforts to lower HIV infections in the county.
Editor’s note: The beneficiaries’ names have been changed for ethical reasons.