Uganda has received its first consignment of 19,200 doses of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug set to be rolled out to high-risk populations in selected districts beginning March 2026.
The shipment follows the approval of the drug earlier this year as a twice-yearly injectable option for HIV prevention.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the arrival of the consignment.
“The initial consignment of 19,200 doses of Lenacapavir from The Global Fund has arrived in Uganda. The drug is administered every six months to prevent HIV among persons with substantial risk of acquiring HIV,” the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, the doses will be distributed to high-burden and high-incidence districts starting March 2026. Health facilities in the selected areas will administer the injection to eligible individuals following HIV testing and risk assessment.
Lenacapavir is manufactured by Gilead Sciences and supplied with support from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a key partner in Uganda’s HIV response.
Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, offering a more convenient option for individuals who may struggle with daily medication adherence.
Clinical trials have shown that the drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition. Health experts say the twice-yearly injection could strengthen prevention efforts among key and vulnerable populations, particularly those who face stigma or have limited access to health facilities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described Lenacapavir as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for populations that find it difficult to maintain daily treatment regimens.
