Eligibility will also consider individuals with an ongoing risk of HIV infection, including those who have had sexual contact with partners of unknown HIV status within the past six months. The program is particularly targeting pregnant and breastfeeding women, a group health officials say has recently recorded rising new infections in the county.
"We want to reduce new infections among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and ultimately prevent babies from being born with HIV," Dr. Adam said.
He cautioned that injectable PrEP may not be suitable for individuals with active liver or kidney disease, though alternative prevention methods such as condoms remain available.
Ms Jacqueline Tsuma, the HIV Coordinator for Jomvu Sub-county, said the county was working closely with community leaders and health educators to ensure people understand the benefits and eligibility requirements of injectable PrEP.
Community leaders have welcomed the new intervention, saying it will help reduce stigma associated with taking daily pills.
Ms Husna Aisha, a community educator with Coastal Stress Empowering Community (CHEC), said the injection will make it easier for people at risk to protect themselves.
Aisha, who has previously used oral PrEP and the vaginal ring, said the injectable option eliminates the challenge of remembering to take daily medication.
"Sometimes people forget to take pills or fear being seen with the medication because others may think they are taking ARVs," she said.
"With the injection, the medicine stays in your body and no one has to know."
She also highlighted that the new option could benefit vulnerable groups such as female sex workers, who previously faced challenges accessing prevention services.
Aisha became the first person in Mombasa yesterday to receive the Lenacapavir injection during the launch and has pledged to continue advocating for PrEP uptake as a community champion.
CHEC executive director Ms Anne Nyambura said they have prepared many people for the injectable option and asked the county government to ensure continued distribution.
"We have many people waiting for the injectable PrEP and we want to be assured of continued access," she said.