Kenya is set to begin rolling out a groundbreaking HIV-prevention drug, lenacapavir, in March, offering near-complete protection against HIV with just two injections per year, DW Africa reports.

The long-acting drug, manufactured by Gilead Sciences, reduces the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent.

The country has received an initial shipment of 21,000 doses through a Global Fund agreement, with another 12,000 doses expected by April.

The first phase of the rollout will cover 15 counties, targeting populations most at risk.

According to DW Africa, the initiative is a major milestone in HIV prevention, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, which remain the hardest-hit regions and account for more than half of the 40.8 million people living with HIV globally.

The rollout also comes amid adjustments in U.S. foreign aid priorities under President Donald Trump, which have affected funding patterns for African countries.

Health officials in Kenya say the new drug offers a critical tool in the fight against the epidemic, potentially transforming prevention strategies and dramatically reducing new infections.

By Adama Makasuba