Kampala, Uganda – In a significant step towards reducing new HIV infections, Uganda is set to provide free access to a long-acting HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, to about 17,000 people.
This follows a landmark agreement between the Government of Uganda and the Global Fund, allowing the country to procure the life-saving drug at a subsidized cost.Lenacapavir, a cutting-edge injectable medication, offers protection against HIV when administered just twice a year — a breakthrough for individuals at high risk who may struggle with daily oral prevention pills.
Under the new arrangement, Uganda will utilize approximately $1.14 million from its existing Global Fund grant to kick-start the rollout of the injection.
The government hopes to expand access beyond the initial 17,000 beneficiaries, depending on future funding and availability.
Health experts have welcomed the development, describing it as a game-changer in Uganda’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, especially among vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
“This initiative will help address long-standing challenges related to adherence and stigma,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Health. “By offering a discreet, twice-yearly injection, we are giving people a powerful and convenient option for staying HIV-negative.
”Uganda joins a growing list of countries embracing innovative HIV prevention strategies in line with UNAIDS targets to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The rollout plan, expected to begin later this year, will include sensitization campaigns, training for health workers, and strategic distribution through selected public health facilities and outreach programs.
Lenacapavir is the first of its kind injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication approved for use in some countries.
Its introduction in Uganda could significantly lower the country’s HIV incidence, which, despite progress in recent years, remains one of the highest in the region.Health officials urge continued support and investment in HIV prevention to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing lifesaving interventions.
