The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lenacapavir, a bi-annual injectable treatment for HIV/AIDS, which will be available by mid-2025 after successful phase 3 trials. This advancement, expected to revolutionize HIV treatment, offers a significant alternative to daily medication.
In an interview with Capital FM, Dr. Jennifer Galbraith, Director of the HIV and TB program for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Kenya, emphasized ongoing negotiations between the U.S. Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy and Gilead, the drug manufacturer, to ensure sufficient supply and affordability.
“The Bureau is working to ensure reasonable pricing for lenacapavir, considering the public health value of preventing new infections,” Dr. Galbraith said.
She added that PEPFAR (The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) is working to ensure lenacapavir reaches countries with high HIV prevalence and the necessary infrastructure for its introduction.
In Kenya, PEPFAR is prioritizing efforts to reach mothers and infants who lack access to HIV services. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s goal of eliminating pediatric AIDS by 2027.
Gilead recently committed to producing affordable versions of lenacapavir for distribution in 120 low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, in the U.S., the cost of treatment is as high as $40,000 per patient annually, which remains unaffordable for many in poorer regions.
Addressing Pediatric HIV in Kenya
Eight counties in Kenya—Siaya, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Nairobi, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nakuru—account for half of the country’s pediatric HIV cases. In response, PEPFAR has set up a national task force to improve HIV monitoring and shift from paper records to electronic medical systems for better oversight.
PEPFAR also collaborates with private health providers offering prenatal services to integrate HIV testing and treatment, while strengthening the supply chain to prevent drug shortages.
“The task force will also organize regular meetings at both national and county levels and promote partnerships with private healthcare providers to improve early detection and care,” said Dr. Galbraith.
Improving Maternal Health and Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, commended the CDC and PEPFAR for their role in enhancing maternal health care during a visit to Kisii County. Speaking at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, she highlighted the global effort to end mother-to-child HIV transmission by 2027.
“The achievements of the HIV clinic here, supported by PEPFAR and the CDC, demonstrate what we can accomplish together,” Whitman stated. She also praised the UNAIDS triple-zero initiative, which aims for zero missed appointments, doses, and viral load tests.
COVID-19 Supply Chain Disruptions
Whitman further acknowledged that COVID-19 severely disrupted the global supply chain for HIV treatments. She noted that PEPFAR’s networks helped ensure that HIV patients continued receiving their essential medications despite the pandemic’s challenges.
“It’s impressive how supply chains are gradually recovering. We are leveraging Kenya’s distribution mechanisms, like KEMSA, to ensure drugs reach those in need,” Whitman said.
She expressed optimism about achieving the goal of ending mother-to-child HIV transmission by 2027 and urged continued efforts toward combating the epidemic.
Collaboration with Local Governments
Kisii Governor Simba Arati praised the U.S. government’s support, calling for further assistance to modernize Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, particularly its maternal and child care unit.
“The partnership between our county and the U.S. government is exceptional. We look forward to more collaborations,” Arati said.
