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The Hydropower Boom in Africa: A Green Energy Revolution Africa is tapping into its immense hydropower potential, ushering in an era of renewable energy. With monumental projects like Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Inga Dams in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the continent is gearing up to address its energy demands sustainably while driving economic growth.
Northern Kenya is a region rich in resources, cultural diversity, and strategic trade potential, yet it remains underutilized in the national development agenda.
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Kenya is poised to commence the distribution of Lenacapavir, an innovative HIV prevention injection that provides protection for six months with each dose. The injection, priced at Sh6,000 per shot, is expected to significantly ease the burden of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens for many Kenyans. The rollout is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
According to Andrew Mulwa, Head of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NASCOP), Lenacapavir represents a major advancement in HIV prevention technology. Unlike traditional daily pills, this long-acting injectable allows individuals to receive two doses per year, enhancing convenience and adherence. However, Mulwa emphasized that the injection does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The World Health Organization (WHO) formally recommended Lenacapavir in July, underscoring its role as a valuable addition to existing HIV prevention methods. WHO advocates for the inclusion of this injectable alongside condoms and oral PrEP, thereby expanding the prevention toolkit available to at-risk populations.
Kenya ranks seventh globally in HIV prevalence, with approximately 1.4 million individuals living with the virus. It was selected among nine African countries—including Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Eswatini—to receive Lenacapavir through initiatives funded by international health partners.
Global programs such as the Global Fund, Tiko Africa, and UNAIDS are actively facilitating the introduction and widespread accessibility of Lenacapavir. These programs focus on populations at heightened risk, particularly adolescent girls and young women, who face disproportionate vulnerability to HIV infection.
The Global Fund has announced plans to supply at least two million doses globally, prioritizing countries with high HIV incidence rates in sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative follows the approval of Lenacapavir by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June, marking a significant milestone in HIV prevention.
Lenacapavir’s status as the first twice-yearly long-acting injectable for PrEP marks a transformative development. It offers a potent new prevention option for individuals facing challenges such as stigma or difficulties maintaining daily pill regimens, thereby enhancing HIV prevention efforts worldwide.
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