By Joseph Checky Abuje
The County Government of Busia has intensified its efforts to fight new HIV infections through the rollout of the new Lenacapavir injection to help curb the disease.
This comes as Kenya is among the first countries globally to introduce Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, signaling strong international confidence in the country’s health systems and its ability to responsibly deliver cutting-edge medical innovations. The injection is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The launch is however significant to the border county as Busia is among the 15 high-burden counties in Kenya where the injection has been launched, targeting especially teenagers and young people in border jurisdictions that include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Homa Bay among others.
Speaking during the launch at Busia’s Kenya Medical Training College, Busia County deputy governor Arthur Odera said the fight against HIV and AIDS has received a major boost with the launch of the Lenacapavir injection.
Adding that new prevention tool aims to significantly reduce new infections, particularly among teenagers and young people living in this border county.
Busia is one of 15 counties selected for the first phase of the national rollout. The injection offers long-acting protection for individuals who are HIV negative and at risk of infection.
Odera revealed that the first phase has been warmly embraced by residents adding that the county will be now rolling out these injections across all medical facilities in the sub-counties to ensure every resident who needs it can access it.
On her part Busia County HIV Director Constant Were lauded the government for putting several measures in the fight against HIV which include pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who are HIV negative but sexually active.
Health officials present during the launch noted that the injection provides a convenient, long-lasting option compared to daily pills, giving residents greater control in protecting themselves.