Reflections and lessons learned from partners and Ministries of Health on projects to support locally tailored, sustainable, choice-centered rollout of LEN
Since its launch in December 2025, injectable lenacapavir (LEN) for PrEP has been introduced in 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries put in place ambitious plans to roll out and scale up LEN quickly. To support the rapid introduction of LEN in three early adopter countries, Lvcthealth in Kenya, Pakachere Institute of Health and Development Communication (Pakachere) in Malawi, and HEPS-Uganda in Uganda collaborated with Ministries of Health and US Embassies, with support from AVAC, to:
- Develop demand generation materials for LEN and PrEP options for priority populations
- Conduct capacity-building and community engagement to create an enabling environment for LEN rollout
- Support LEN launch and early introduction in-country, including site activation, data collection and interpretation, and creating platforms for shared learning
The approaches, resources, and lessons learned from LEN introduction in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda provide a blueprint for critical product introduction support, led by implementing partners and civil society. They can help other countries determine how to effectively prepare for and deliver LEN and future PrEP options. On this webinar, AVAC will be joined by representatives from Ministries of Health and our partners to share their experiences with rollout and discuss how these approaches can be adapted to support LEN introduction in other countries.
Speakers:
- Patriciah Jeckonia, Lvcthealth
- Simon Sikwese, Pakachere
- Kenneth Mwehonge, HEPS-Uganda
- Representatives from the Ministries of Health in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda
Moderator:
- Wawira Nyagah, Executive Director of Access Bridge