Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda AIDS Commission has unveiled plans to introduce Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection that will protect HIV-negative individuals for up to six months, marking a major stride in the fight against new infections.
In a statement released over the weekend, the Commission described the injection as a revolutionary intervention that offers 100% protection against acquiring HIV when administered correctly. However, the drug is not yet available in hospitals, pending further evaluation and regulatory clearance.
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Health is working closely with the National Drug Authority and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate and license the drug for nationwide use.
“The Uganda AIDS Commission informs the Ugandan public that research on the use of Lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has successfully established that this six-monthly injection offers 100% protection to HIV negative individuals against acquiring HIV,” the Commission said in a press release.
Uganda, according to UAC, was one of the countries where our scientists participated in carrying out this groundbreaking research.
“Following the US Food and Drug Administration approval of its production and use, this innovative HIV prevention tool will be made available in Uganda after close consultations with stakeholders and compliance with the minimum requirements,” the statement added.
Health experts have described the six-month injectable PrEP as a significant innovation that could transform HIV prevention by reducing reliance on daily pills and increasing adherence among vulnerable populations.
The Uganda AIDS Commission emphasized that detailed guidelines on eligibility, distribution, and access will be issued once the National Drug Authority completes the evaluation and grants approval for clinical use.
While the process to roll out the injectable drug is underway, the Commission advised that oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) will remain available at designated health facilities across the country for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV.
“Once these steps have been completed, Lenacapavir will be integrated into Uganda’s HIV prevention program, expanding options for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. In the meantime, oral PrEP will continue to be offered at designated facilities in the country for those at high risk of acquiring HIV.”
In a related development, the Commission also announced that “Cabotegravir, another highly effective injectable PrEP given every 2 months, has already been incorporated into the Ministry of Health HIV prevention guidelines, and efforts to make it locally available are in advanced stages.”
This development comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. Current statistics from UNAIDS estimate that about 1.4 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with new infections declining but still presenting a major challenge, particularly among young people and key populations.
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