- Kenya has become one of the first countries to begin distributing lenacapavir, a new drug hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against HIV.
- Despite high HIV prevalence, informal settlements like Kibera in Nairobi have been excluded from the initial rollout phase, raising concerns about equitable access.
- Residents in excluded areas face substantial barriers, such as transport costs and distance, to reach the designated health facilities offering the drug.
- While currently free, there are concerns about the future cost of lenacapavir, which could still be prohibitive for low-income communities despite planned subsidies.
- Experts advocate for a community-rooted approach to drug delivery and patient retention, arguing that the current system does not adequately meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
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