By Lorraine Anyango
In a major step forward for HIV prevention, researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have unveiled an innovative delivery system designed to improve Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access and use among young women in Western Kenya.
Dubbed ‘PrEP MY WAY,’ the study will implement a novel community-based approach starting in January 2026 to provide PrEP and essential sexual health services to approximately 500 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) over 12 months.
The program addresses persistent barriers to PrEP adherence, which have often resulted in short-lived uptake despite high initial interest. ‘PrEP MY WAY’ will utilize a community-based peer delivery system to distribute an appealing kit containing multiple prevention options directly to the recipients.
The kit includes, HIV self-test (oral or finger prick), choice of PrEP formulation (oral or ring),STI self-sampling, pregnancy test and choice of contraception (condoms, oral pills, self-injection).
“It’s delivered by professional young nurses, and the recipients have an opportunity to choose their preference from the kit,” said Principal Investigator Prof. Jessica Haberer, speaking while sensitizing the Kisumu County Health Management Team (CHMT). She is working alongside Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, Aaron Siegler, and Jared Baeten on the study.
Data highlights a significant HIV burden in Kisumu County, particularly among young women. A 2024 report by the National Syndemic Disease Council noted a high gender disparity in new infections, with females aged 15-39 having a higher incidence than males. One local study indicated a 7.1% HIV prevalence in females aged 20-24. Factors like low educational attainment and young age are associated with this elevated risk.
The study acknowledges that private, convenient, and supportive community-led systems are crucial to improving PrEP use when it is needed most.
Enrollment is open to sexually active AGYW aged 16–24 who reside in Kisumu County and can understand Kiswahili, DhoLuo, or English. Enrollment sites include Lumumba Sub-County Hospital, Kuoyo Health Center, Nyahera Sub-County Hospital, and Ahero Sub-County Hospital.
This new phase follows a pilot randomized controlled trial conducted in Kisumu between 2021 and 2023, where 150 young women received the “My Way” intervention or Standard of Care. The pilot proved feasible, with peers completing 88% of possible kit deliveries.
The primary outcome of the current study will measure prevention-effective PrEP persistence—assessing whether young women continue to use PrEP effectively—by comparing the persistence of different PrEP formulations. The next phases of ‘PrEP MY WAY’ also anticipate being one of the first studies to analyze the delivery of the new long-acting injectable PrEP, Lenacapavir, in a community setting.