HIV Lenacapavir Prep injectionThe Global Fund has committed an additional Sh256 million ($2
million) to support Kenya’s rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention
injection, Lenacapavir.
Officials made the announcement on Thursday during the national
launch in Nairobi.
The six-monthly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was
launched at Riruta Health Centre in Nairobi.
Kenya received 21,000 doses early this month, financed by the
Fund for Sh370 million ($2.9 million).
Global Fund senior portfolio manager Paul Maccarrick described
the moment as historic.
He said the Sh256 million will specifically fund programme
activities, including service delivery support, training, community engagement
and systems to ensure eligible beneficiaries can access the drug safely and
consistently.
“In the spirit of continuing commitment, Global Fund has
directly invested $2.9 million (about Sh370 million) for this initial
procurement of the product being launched here today, and a further $2.0
million (about Sh256 million) for programme implementation rollout to ensure
access by targeted beneficiaries,” Maccarrick said.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP administered twice
a year.
Health officials say it offers a new prevention option for
individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection, particularly those who
struggle with adherence to daily oral medication.
Maccarrick said the launch goes beyond science.
“It also demonstrates the strength of global partnership,
particularly the collaboration among the Global Fund, Pepfar, and Gilead
Sciences to ensure this life-saving innovation is delivered at a more
affordable and accessible price,” he said.
“Such collective action is essential if we are to end Aids as a
public health threat.”
Kenya becomes one of the first countries in the region to
introduce the injectable prevention option within its public health system,
beginning with 15 high-burden counties.
These counties are Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos,
Kajiado, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay
and Kisii.
The Ministry of Health says the phased rollout will prioritise
populations at substantial risk as part of efforts to reduce new HIV infections
to zero by 2030.
The Global Fund has been a major financier of Kenya’s HIV
response for more than two decades.
“Since 2003, for over 20 years, the Global Fund has stood
alongside Kenya as a committed partner in the fight against HIV, TB and
Malaria; investing over $2.0 billion (about Sh250 billion) to strengthen HIV,
TB and Malaria treatment, care and support, and prevention; as well as systems
for health,” Maccarrick said.
Lenacapavir (Len) was launched in Nairobi on Thursday at
Riruta Health Centre by Health CS Aden Duale.
The list of select clinics where the injection is available has
not been made public. But interested Kenyans in the 15 counties should go to
any public health facility and they will be directed to the nearest clinic for
injection, the Ministry of Health said.
Beneficiaries will first be tested to prove they are HIV
negative and they must weigh more than 35 kilogrammes.
Duale said the drug has passed all safety and efficacy
protocols.
“So no Kenyans should
fear hidden costs. It is safe for distribution. The rollout is structured,
careful and it’s guided by medical professionals to ensure those who need it
must get it,” he said.
Duale said anyone who has unprotected sex, even once, is at risk
of HIV infection and qualifies for the injection.
The country received an initial 21,000 doses to start the
programme.
Health prevention and treatment officials said the injectable
option is expected to improve adherence because people struggle with daily oral
tablets used to prevent HIV, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The injection has already been introduced in Zambia, eSwatini
and Zimbabwe.
On Thursday, 27-year-old Samson Mutua became the first Kenyan to
receive the injection at Riruta Health Centre.
Mutua, a water vendor on Nairobi’s Lenana Road in Kilimani
and a delivery rider, received two injections of Lenacapavir in the lower
abdomen at the Riruta Health Centre at 8am.
Mutua, a single father of two boys, said he wants to remain
alive to take care of his children.
After the injections, he swallowed two oral Prep tablets
immediately to ensure day one protection.
He will take two more Prep tablets on Friday. After that, he is
protected against HIV for the next six months, after which he will return for
another double injection.
He will not take any more Prep pills within those six months.
This approach aligns with clinical guidelines issued for
the national rollout.
Mutua said becoming the first recipient of Lenacapavir does not
mean he is reckless or promiscuous.
