Kenya has been chosen as one of nine countries for the early rollout of Lenacapavir, an injectable drug for HIV prevention, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Lenacapavir will be available in Kenya by January 2026.
• The announcement was made at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, emphasized its potential as a game-changer for high-risk individuals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN) twice a year as an innovative pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, announced during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.

• 1.3 million new HIV infections were recorded in 2024, highlighting the need for effective prevention methods.
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized that LEN is a transformative option for those at risk.
• The guidelines simplify testing protocols, promoting access to long-acting PrEP via community-based delivery.

Residents of the Changwame area in Mombasa County are in distress as a mysterious disease has led to the deaths of at least four people within a week, sparking fears of a potential outbreak.

• Victims exhibited abnormal symptoms including boil-like sores and dark, peeling skin.
• The Mombasa County Department of Health is investigating the cause of the disease.
• This outbreak follows a recent Chikungunya virus warning, linked to mosquito breeding due to ongoing rains.

Kenya plans to launch the long-acting injectable HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Lenacapavir by January 2026 after its approval from the World Health Organization.

• Lenacapavir is administered just twice a year, providing significant protection against HIV.
• Aden Duale, Health Cabinet Secretary, emphasized its role in enhancing HIV prevention strategies.
• The rollout follows favorable results from the PURPOSE 1 AND PURPOSE 2 trials and WHO guidelines updated in July 2025.