HIV prevention promises to redefine how individuals protect themselves against the virus. In comes Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable antiretroviral, poised to offer an unprecedented six months of HIV protection per dose, with an anticipated cost of approximately Sh6,000. This monumental development marks a new chapter in the global health landscape.
Speaking to NTV Kenya, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Head of Kenya's National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NASCOP), confirmed the immense potential of this new jab. Dr. Mulwa highlighted that while Lenacapavir is a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, it is crucial to note that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The injection is specifically designed to benefit high-risk individuals, providing a significantly more convenient and discreet alternative to the current regimen of daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
The excitement surrounding Lenacapavir has been amplified by its recent endorsement from the World Health Organization (WHO). This pivotal recommendation was announced on Monday at the official opening of the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science in Kigali, Rwanda, where new HIV treatment guidelines were also unveiled. WHO's recommendation positions Lenacapavir as a vital additional option for PrEP, offering a much-needed long-acting alternative to daily oral medications and promising sustained protection.
This global endorsement follows closely on the heels of Lenacapavir's approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a testament to its proven safety and efficacy. Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, emphasized that "We have the tools and the knowledge to end Aids as a public health threat. What we need now is bold implementation—rooted in equity and driven by communities." WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, further underscored its significance, describing Lenacapavir as “the next best thing” to an HIV vaccine.
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For years, adherence to daily PrEP has been a significant hurdle in HIV prevention efforts. Challenges include the burden of taking daily pills, the need for frequent clinic visits, and the stigma associated with PrEP use. Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health at the Ministry of Health, articulated how Lenacapavir's discreet, long-acting formulation directly addresses these issues. "The challenge with daily PrEP is that missing a dose, even once or twice, can affect its effectiveness," Dr. Amoth stated. "This new injection offers protection for six months with a single dose, making adherence much easier.”
Kenya is proudly among the first nations preparing to adopt this breakthrough. The Ministry of Health is actively planning for its rollout in January, allocating time to update national guidelines, train healthcare workers, and establish robust logistics for procurement, storage, and distribution. This proactive stance underscores Kenya's commitment to leveraging scientific advancements for public health.
Long-acting HIV therapies and prevention tools are universally celebrated as a game-changer, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations where maintaining daily medication can be particularly challenging. This momentum extends to other innovations, with the Medicines Patent Pool and ViiV Healthcare announcing an expanded licensing agreement for long-acting cabotegravir, another injectable antiretroviral now recommended by WHO for HIV treatment.
