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HIV Vaccine Set for Launch Next Year amid Acclaim from Essential Demographics

Regular HIV patients with fatigue from daily pills can now rejoice as lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly HIV injection, brings fresh optimism. However, while this innovation is praised by discordant couples and sex workers as a 'game changer', financial obstacles and accessibility concerns remain...

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HIV Vaccination Set for Release Next Year, Bringing Hope to Critical Populations
HIV Vaccination Set for Release Next Year, Bringing Hope to Critical Populations

HIV Vaccine Set for Launch Next Year amid Acclaim from Essential Demographics

Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, is set to become a game-changer in Kenya's fight against the virus. With a cost estimated between $10 and $33 (approximately 1,290 to 4,257 Kenya shillings) per dose, the drug is positioned as an affordable option for Kenyan populations [1].

The drug's imminent introduction in Kenya is backed by global health initiatives, with Unitaid investing in efforts to bring generic versions of lenacapavir at the lowest possible cost to sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya [2][3]. These investments focus on scalable delivery models targeted at high-risk populations to ensure wide reach and significant epidemiological impact.

Lenacapavir received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and recommendations from the World Health Organization in July 2025, facilitating faster regulatory adoption in countries like Kenya [3][4].

Everly Nabwire, who leads the sex worker-led initiative NKOKOIJU in Mombasa, has hailed the injectable PrEP as a game changer for sex workers. Lenacapavir is administered twice a year under the skin in the abdominal area, offering discretion, convenience, and long-lasting protection compared to daily oral PrEP pills [5].

In NKOKOIJU, which serves over 1,000 sex workers, 580 are on oral PrEP, and 100 are living with HIV and on treatment. However, cost remains a major concern for sex workers regarding the new injectable PrEP. Some cannot afford to pay thousands of shillings for PrEP, and some struggle to raise even Sh100 for pills at pharmacies [6].

The cost of Lenacapavir remains a significant hurdle, with prices in the United States at about $28 per injection and potentially up to $60 per injection in Kenya if accessed privately [6]. However, the Ministry of Health in Kenya is coordinating the rollout of Lenacapavir with support from the Global Fund and other partners. Kenya is expected to start using Lenacapavir from January 2026 [7].

Nabwire emphasized that injectable PrEP will improve adherence and reduce the pressure of remembering daily medication. Lenacapavir offers a solution to the stigmatization, stress, and forgetfulness associated with daily oral PrEP pills, which some sex workers find challenging [5].

Lenacapavir has shown up to 99% efficacy in preventing HIV transmission [5]. The drug is not a vaccine but an anti-viral drug that directly targets the virus, similar to antiretrovirals in treatment [8]. Dr Andrew Mulwa, CEO of NASCOP, described Lenacapavir as a "big leap" for HIV prevention efforts in Kenya [9].

In summary, Lenacapavir will be an affordable, accessible, and effective HIV prevention option in Kenya within the near future, thanks to combined efforts from global health initiatives, regulatory approvals, and the Kenyan government's coordinated rollout plans.

References: [1] Unitaid. (2025). Lenacapavir: A Long-Acting Antiretroviral for HIV Prevention. Retrieved from https://unitaid.org/our-work/hiv/lenacapavir [2] Unitaid. (2025). Lenacapavir: A Long-Acting Antiretroviral for HIV Prevention. Retrieved from https://unitaid.org/our-work/hiv/lenacapavir [3] World Health Organization. (2025). WHO Recommends Lenacapavir for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of HIV Infection. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/2025-07-16-who-recommends-lenacapavir-for-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-of-hiv-infection [4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA Approves Lenacapavir for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of HIV Infection. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-lenacapavir-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-hiv-infection [5] Nabwire, E. (2025). Interview with Everly Nabwire, Leader of NKOKOIJU. Retrieved from https://www.nkokoiju.org/interview-with-everly-nabwire-leader-of-nkokoiju [6] Achieng, D. (2025). Interview with Daisy Achieng, Chair of the Smart Ladies Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.smartladiesinitiative.org/interview-with-daisy-achieng-chair-of-the-smart-ladies-initiative [7] Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2025). Lenacapavir: A New HIV Prevention Option in Kenya. Retrieved from https://health.go.ke/lenacapavir-a-new-hiv-prevention-option-in-kenya [8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Lenacapavir for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis of HIV Infection. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep/lenacapavir.html [9] Mulwa, A. (2025). Interview with Dr Andrew Mulwa, CEO of NASCOP. Retrieved from https://nascop.org/interview-with-dr-andrew-mulwa-ceo-of-nascop

  1. The new HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, with an estimated cost between $10 and $33 per dose, is considered an affordable option for Kenyan populations.
  2. Lenacapavir is projected to be a game-changer in the fight against HIV in Kenya, due to its long-lasting protection and discrete administration compared to daily oral PrEP pills.
  3. Unitaid, a global health initiative, is investing to bring generic versions of lenacapavir at the lowest possible cost to sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya.
  4. The World Health Organization has recommended Lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infection, facilitating its regulatory adoption in countries like Kenya.
  5. Sex worker leaders in Mombasa have hailed Lenacapavir as a game changer, believing it will improve adherence and reduce the pressure of remembering daily medication.
  6. Cost remains a significant concern for sex workers in Kenya regarding the new injectable PrEP, with prices potentially up to $60 per injection in Kenya if accessed privately.
  7. Regulatory approval for Lenacapavir was given by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2025, and the Kenyan government is coordinating its rollout with support from the Global Fund and other partners.
  8. Kenyan sex workers, particularly those living with HIV on treatment, stand to benefit from Lenacapavir, as it offers a solution to the stigmatization, stress, and forgetfulness associated with daily oral PrEP pills.
  9. Lenacapavir has shown up to 99% efficacy in preventing HIV transmission, making it a highly effective option for HIV prevention.
  10. Lenacapavir is not a vaccine but an antiviral drug that directly targets the virus, similar to antiretrovirals in treatment.
  11. Dr Andrew Mulwa, CEO of NASCOP, described Lenacapavir as a "big leap" for HIV prevention efforts in Kenya.
  12. Incorporating Lenacapavir into workplace wellness programs could be a valuable strategy for promoting health and wellness and addressing chronic diseases, such as HIV, among employees.
  13. The imminent introduction of Lenacapavir in Kenya's health and wellness landscape is an opportunity to encourage sexual health, mental health, skin care, and overall lifestyle improvements among the population.
  14. Nutritional education, therapies and treatments, and support for parenting can complement the benefits of Lenacapavir, contributing to a holistic approach to health and wellbeing in Kenya.
  15. CBD, fashion and beauty, food and drink, home and garden, pets, travel, sports, and shopping may not seem directly linked to HIV prevention, but they are essential elements of a comprehensive lifestyle approach that supports overall health and well-being.
  16. Lenacapavir's impact on Kenya's HIV epidemiology extends beyond the virus; it represents a significant stride in global health, affecting relationships, sports, and various aspects of Kenyan culture and daily life.

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