Lira City, Uganda: Uganda has taken a major leap in HIV prevention with the official rollout of Lenacapavir injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, marking what health officials describe as a transformative shift in the fight against new infections.
The launch, held on Friday, April 17, was presided over by Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who hailed the innovation as a “historic milestone” in expanding access to modern, patient-friendly HIV prevention options.
“This innovation represents hope and progress in our national fight against HIV,” Dr Aceng said. “Lenacapavir injectable PrEP reduces the burden of daily pill-taking while increasing protection, especially for those at higher risk.”
The long-acting injectable drug is expected to address one of the biggest challenges in HIV prevention—adherence to daily oral PrEP, by offering sustained protection over longer intervals.
Health experts say this could significantly improve uptake among vulnerable populations, including young people, sex workers, and mobile communities who often struggle with consistent medication use due to stigma or lifestyle factors.
A senior Ministry of Health official at the event noted that the injectable option could be a game-changer.
“Many people fail to maintain daily pills. This provides longer protection and could improve outcomes if communities embrace it,” the official said.
Lira City leadership welcomed the rollout as a major boost to healthcare access in northern Uganda.
City Mayor Sam Atul praised the government for decentralising advanced medical interventions beyond the capital.
“This is a big moment for Lira and the entire Lango sub-region,” Atul said. “We must now ensure communities understand this innovation so that stigma and misinformation do not limit its impact.”
Voices from people living with HIV also reflected cautious optimism. Tom Odiambo, a community leader representing people living with HIV in Apac, said the new prevention tool offers renewed hope.
“This is a breakthrough, especially for young people who fear taking daily pills. But access must be fair, rural communities should not be left behind,” he said, urging continued investment in counselling and psychosocial support.
Medical teams at Lira Hospital say they are ready to integrate the injectable PrEP into existing services, including HIV testing, counselling, and sexual health education. However, they emphasized that community sensitisation and proper training will be key to success.
Uganda has made notable progress in reducing HIV prevalence over the years, but new infections, particularly among adolescents and young adults, remain a persistent challenge.
The introduction of Lenacapavir signals a broader shift toward more convenient, patient-centred prevention strategies aimed at closing these gaps.
Health officials stressed that while the innovation is significant, its success will depend on awareness, accessibility, and sustained community engagement.
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