Aceng (forth-left), accompanied by the deputy chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Kampala, Mikael Cleverley (second-right), UNAIDS country director Jacqueline Makokha and other officials during the launch of the drug at Lira hospital on Friday
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda has taken a major step toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat with the nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug that health officials believe could significantly reduce new infections and accelerate progress toward the 2030 elimination target.
The roll out of the drug to the public, health ministry officials said during the launch at Lira Regional Referral Hospital on Friday, will amplify the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections. The launch ceremony was presided over by the health minister and Lira city Woman MP-elect, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
The injectable medication, Aceng said, will be added to Uganda’s expanded HIV- prevention strategy. She added that it will be introduced as a
twice-yearly option for people assessed to be at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. Its introduction comes at a time when Uganda is still recording about 37,000 new HIV infections annually, despite notable progress over the past decade.
Lenacapavir is not a vaccine, but a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), designed for individuals who test HIV-negative but are at substantial risk of infection. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, the new drug requires only two injections per year, offering a more convenient and discreet prevention option.
Health experts say this shift could have a profound impact on adherence, which has long been a challenge in HIV prevention. Daily medication requires discipline and consistency—factors that are often difficult to maintain, especially among young people and mobile populations. By eliminating the need for daily dosing, Lenacapavir significantly reduces the risk of missed doses, thereby improving its overall effectiveness.
Reducing the risk of missed doses
Clinical trials have shown that the drug offers more than 99 percent protection against HIV infection, making it one of the most effective prevention tools currently available. This high efficacy, combined with its convenience, positions Lenacapavir as a critical intervention in Uganda’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The government has prioritised high-risk populations in the rollout. These include adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24, who continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new infections. Other target groups include discordant couples, sex workers and their clients, fisherfolk, long-distance truck drivers, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. Pregnant and breastfeeding women in high-risk categories will also be eligible.
According to Dr Herbert Kadama, the national PrEP coordinator at the Ministry of Health, access to the drug will be carefully controlled through clinical screening at designated government health facilities. Eligibility will depend on both HIV-negative status and assessed behavioural risk.
“We screen people hoping they give us the right information. This jab will be 100 percent free of charge and accessed strictly at government facilities,” Kadama said.
Demand expected to be high
The targeted approach is intended to maximise impact while managing limited initial supplies. Health officials have cautioned that while demand for the drug is expected to be high, its distribution must be prioritised for those most at risk.
Beyond its medical benefits, Lenacapavir also addresses social and behavioural barriers that have historically hindered HIV prevention efforts. The stigma associated with taking daily HIV prevention pills, particularly among young women, has often discouraged uptake. A twice-yearly injection offers a more private alternative, potentially increasing acceptance and use.
However, experts warn that the introduction of such a powerful tool could also create new challenges. There are concerns that some individuals may mistakenly view the drug as a complete solution to HIV, leading to complacency and reduced use of other preventive measures.
Richard Kabanda, the Commissioner for Health Promotion, cautioned that risk perception among young people is already low.
“As we roll out Lenacapavir, we must strengthen both biomedical and behavioural approaches to prevention,” he said, emphasising the need for continued education and awareness.
Traditional prevention strategies
Dr Aceng echoed this sentiment, urging Ugandans not to abandon traditional prevention strategies such as abstinence, faithfulness, and consistent condom use.
“Prevention remains our strongest weapon. Testing is the first step. It is free, confidential, and available in all health facilities,” she said.
The rollout also highlights the importance of early detection. An estimated 150,000 Ugandans are living with HIV without knowing their status, contributing to ongoing transmission. Health officials say expanding access to testing will be critical to ensuring that those who need preventive interventions like Lenacapavir can benefit from them.
Uganda’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS has been significant, with new infections dropping from 96,000 in 2010 to 37,000 in 2025, and more than 1.4 million people currently receiving treatment. The introduction of Lenacapavir builds on these gains, offering a new layer of protection that could help close the remaining gaps.
Supported by international partners such as the Global Fund and the United States government, the initiative reflects a collaborative approach to tackling the epidemic. Ongoing research into similar long-acting treatments also raises hope for future innovations that could further simplify HIV care.
This magical drug could mark a turning point in Uganda’s journey toward ending HIV/AIDS—bringing the country closer to a future where new infections are rare and the epidemic is finally under control.
About the Author
