"Kenya launched the long-acting injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, in a move described as a ‘game-changer’ for the country’s public health strategy - and a pivot towards health 'sovereignty' on the continent. Footage captured on Thursday shows the official launch of the vaccine in Nairobi, with health centres already administering the first doses to recipients. The rollout comes after health programmes dealt with funding setbacks from cuts by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In December, a Kenyan court also suspended the $2.5 billion health deal with the US over data privacy concerns. “Since USAID was withdrawn, we have been having a lot of challenges, especially in terms of HIV management and tracking people who have tuberculosis, which comes with co-infections,” said Steve Awaro, a doctor at the Riruta Health Centre. “Many clients were at home, unable to access healthcare." Patients now have access to Lenacapavir, a critical treatment offering new hope in the fight against HIV. It is funded by the Global Fund, an international financing partnership, and the United States. “After it (USAID) went down, we were not sure about our future, and we were like, 'What will happen next? How will we survive? How will we do it?' because PrEP was our survival,” said HIV patient Daisy Hilda. “But looking at things, this Lenacapavir has come through now. We are sure about the future, and we feel secure,” Hilda added. “Having an injection every six months is a great work.” Lenacapavir is a breakthrough in PrEP programs, providing six months of protection with a single dose. This removes the burden of daily pills, a common barrier to adherence in developing countries. According to the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, 1.4 million Kenyans are living with HIV, with thousands of new infections recorded each year."