Kenya will distribute HIV prevention drugs (PrEP) through community pharmacies. This initiative aims to increase drug uptake significantly.
A study by PharmPrEP and Nascop supports this decision. Training pharmacy providers to manage PrEP boosts its usage. It is taken by at-risk individuals before sexual contact to prevent HIV. It had low adoption rates initially.
The study focused on six HIV-affected counties: Kiambu, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Nairobi, and Siaya. Since 2016, PrEP usage surged from under 10,000 to 438,003 in 2023. Pharmacy distribution played a key role in this increase. Kenya’s success was recognized at an HIV and AIDS forum in Munich.
Kenya, along with South Africa, leads in promoting PrEP usage in the region. Researchers showed trained pharmacy providers also can effectively deliver the drug. Nascop head Rose Wafula stressed expanding the drug access for better reach. Public hospitals face issues like long wait times and privacy concerns.
Drop-In Centres serve key populations but aren’t easily accessible to all vulnerable groups. The WHO recommended differentiated PrEP service delivery. Pharmacies offer privacy, reduced travel distance, and shorter wait times. Kenya has 7,425 registered retail pharmacies and many trained professionals.
Pharmacies must meet specific criteria to offer PrEP. These include registration, licensed professionals on duty, and private consultation rooms. Training for pharmacy providers includes online and hands-on sessions. Trained providers ensure proper counseling, testing, and prescription of the drug.
Daily PrEP reduces HIV risk through sex by about 99%. It mainly targets commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men. Newer drugs like injectable Cabotegravir and Lenacapavir provide additional prevention option.
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