Mombasa Nominated Senator Urges Ministry of Health to Fast‑Track Availability of Lenacapavir Drug for Eradicating HIV
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| Photo Caption:Nominated Senator Hon Miraj Abdillah during committee meeting at Bunge towers |
By Erick Wanjala
Nominated senator Hon Miraj Abdillah has
urged the national government to swiftly facilitate the availability of
lenacapavir which is branded as Yeztugo a new drug administered through
injection for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep), according to research is
approved by FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA).
Speaking during a labour, social welfare senate committee at
Bunge Towers, senator Miraj emphasized that Yeztugo which is administered only
twice a year could improve adherence and curb new HIV infections, particularly
among hard-to-reach populations, adolescents and those who are victims of Rape.
“Yeztugo is revolutionary—not only because it protects
virtually 100% against HIV but because its dosing schedule fits the realities
of many Kenyans, the earlier the better since if have interacted with many who
are on the verge of giving up. “Stated Nominated senator Miraj
The senator highlighted that the FDA granted approval for
Yeztugo on June 18, 2025, after pivotal trials showed that 99.9% HIV-negative
outcomes in sub-Saharan African and that Kenya is among the few countries that
WHO has rollout in administering the drug, which is believed to be costing 30
million Kenya shillings and shall be considered a game changer if given to the
masses.
The director general of health services at the ministry of
health tendered his submission at the committee which was chaired by Sen.
Crystal Asige and clarified on the availability of the drug in Kenya which he
stated shall be on January 2026, since it shall entail a process of training,
identifying and issuance of the jab.
“By January the drug will be ready for people to access,
however in the meantime the ministry is training medical practioners on how the
new jab operates, we as Kenyan government would like to thank the WHO and global
fund for choosing Kenya to be among the African countries rolling out this drug
lenacapavir which branded as Yeztugo.”Said Dr Amoth.
While emphasizing on equity, She urged the Ministry of
Health and regulatory authorities to finalize approvals, roll out guidelines,
and align with the Global Fund’s July 9, 2025 agreement to procure lenacapavir
for (LMICs) low‑ and middle‑income countries
Global health
partners, including PEPFAR and UNAIDS, welcomed the senator’s call, urging
transparent procurement, pricing, and monitoring frameworks to maximize impact
and equity.
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