Kenya is among the countries expected to receive the new HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir following the United States’ move to deliver initial doses to two African nations. The rollout began after the US confirmed that the treatment had already reached Eswatini and Zambia. The milestone comes despite major foreign aid cuts made earlier in the year under President Donald Trump’s administration.
How is Lenacapavir being rolled out across African countries?
The US government confirmed that the first batch of 1,000 doses has been delivered to Eswatini and Zambia and will begin to be administered this week. Peter Sands, the executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, shared the update as the Global Fund works alongside the United States and pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences to expand access to the drug.
Jeremy Lewin, who coordinates aid at the State Department, explained that the US plans to finance two million doses for low and middle-income African countries. He noted that the goal is to reach this target by 2028, although progress suggests it may be achieved by mid 2027. The drug is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and has drawn attention for its long lasting effectiveness. Lenacapavir is an injectable HIV treatment that is taken only twice a year, a significant improvement from daily pill regimens.
Experts say the drug could reduce new HIV infections considerably, especially among pregnant and breastfeeding women. The urgency for improved prevention tools remains high, with UNAIDS data showing that global efforts have reduced new infections by 40 percent since 2010, yet 1.3 million new infections are still projected for 2024.
Why the introduction of Lenacapavir is considered historic?
Gilead Sciences chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day highlighted the significance of the rollout, emphasizing efforts to authorize distribution in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. “This is a really important moment in the history of HIV,” he said. It is the “first time in history medication is given in Africa the same year it was approved in the US,” he added.
The milestone arrives during a period of intense concern over global health funding. Since returning to office in January, President Trump has slashed more than 80 percent of foreign assistance, arguing that traditional aid programs do not serve US interests. Numerous longstanding HIV prevention initiatives have already faced major cuts, including support for PrEP, which has played a crucial role in reducing infections among high risk groups.
Researchers in Spain, Brazil and Mozambique recently submitted findings predicting dire consequences for global health, estimating that cuts by the US and some European countries could lead to 22.6 million more preventable deaths by 2030.
As preparations continue to authorize Lenacapavir in additional African countries, Kenya is positioned to benefit from one of the most promising HIV prevention tools to date. The development marks a substantial step forward in expanding access, improving care and strengthening the long-term fight against HIV across the continent.
By Lucky Anyanje