Published: March 6, 2026 | Courtesy: Ministry of Health – Kisumu County & NASCOP
KISUMU – Kisumu County has officially launched a new era in HIV prevention, rolling out two long-acting injectable options—Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and Lenacapavir—across ten health facilities. This makes Kisumu one of the pioneer counties in Kenya’s Phase One rollout of this groundbreaking national programme, implemented through the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NASCOP) .
📢 Official Launch
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Launch of Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention |
| Date | 6th March 2026 |
| Time | 8:30 AM |
| Venue | Lumumba Sub-County Hospital, Kisumu |
| Theme | “New Era for Kenya – Long-Acting Prevention for Everyone” |
💉 The Two Long-Acting Options
| Option | Frequency | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) | Once every 2 months (6 injections per year) | Already WHO-recommended, part of current rollout |
| Lenacapavir | Once every 6 months (2 injections per year) | Newest option, recently registered in Kenya |
✅ What You Need to Know
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| 👤 Eligibility | Strictly for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of infection |
| 💊 Not a Vaccine or Cure | Prevents HIV but does not treat existing HIV or protect against other STIs |
| 🛡️ Safe & Approved | Both options have international and local approvals |
| 🔬 Regulatory Approvals | Lenacapavir: US FDA approved (June 2025), WHO endorsed (July 2025), registered by Pharmacy and Poisons Board (Jan 2026). CAB-LA: Already WHO-recommended. |
🌟 Why Long-Acting Injections?
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Convenience | Discreet alternative to daily pills |
| 🚫 Overcome Pill Fatigue | No need to remember daily medication |
| 🤫 Reduce Stigma | Private, less visible prevention method |
| 📈 Better Adherence | Consistent protection without daily routine |
🤝 Part of Combination Prevention
These new options complement existing HIV prevention tools:
| Tool | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊 Daily Oral PrEP | Pill-based prevention |
| 💍 Dapivirine Vaginal Ring | Monthly ring for women |
| 🛡️ Condoms | Barrier protection |
| 🔪 Male Circumcision | Surgical prevention method |
🏥 Phase One Facilities in Kisumu
The long-acting injectables are now available at the following ten health facilities:
| No. | Facility |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) |
| 2 | Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) |
| 3 | Lumumba Sub-County Hospital |
| 4 | Migosi Hospital |
| 5 | Gita Hospital |
| 6 | Ahero Hospital |
| 7 | Nyakach Hospital |
| 8 | Chulaimbo Hospital |
| 9 | Kombewa Hospital |
| 10 | Muhoroni Hospital |
📦 Supply Status
Services are expected to begin this month following the recent arrival of the first consignment of 21,000 starter doses in Kenya.
🩺 What Residents Should Do
Residents are encouraged to:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Visit any of the ten listed facilities |
| 2️⃣ | Speak with a healthcare provider |
| 3️⃣ | Discuss which prevention option is right for you |
| 4️⃣ | Options include: daily pills, 2-month CAB-LA injection, or twice-yearly Lenacapavir injection |
🌍 A New Era for HIV Prevention
“Long-acting prevention for everyone.”
This rollout marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against HIV, offering residents more choices and greater convenience in protecting themselves. Kisumu County’s leadership in this Phase One implementation positions the region at the forefront of innovative HIV prevention strategies.
🚗 Need Transport to a Health Facility?
If you need reliable transport to any of the listed facilities for consultation or services, Afrivibe Rentals is here to help.
We offer:
🚕 Cab services across Kisumu City and Western Kenya
🏥 Patient transport – caring, punctual, and comfortable
📍 Point-to-point travel to all ten facilities
👨👩👧 Family transport for group visits
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
Your health journey matters. We’ll get you there safely.