The Uganda AIDS Commission has confirmed that Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking new injectable drug for HIV prevention, will soon be introduced into the country’s health system.
Backed by robust international research including participation by Ugandan scientists Lenacapavir has been shown to offer 100% protection against HIV acquisition when administered to HIV-negative individuals once every six months.
The announcement comes shortly after the drug received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Uganda now joins a short list of countries preparing for its adoption, which officials are calling a “milestone moment in HIV prevention”.
“This six-monthly injection offers 100% protection to HIV-negative individuals against acquiring HIV,” the Uganda AIDS Commission said in a statement on Saturday.
“Uganda was one of the countries where our scientists participated in carrying out this groundbreaking research.”
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with relevant authorities, is laying the groundwork for Lenacapavir’s rollout.
The process includes evaluation and licensing of the drug by the National Drug Authority, updating national HIV prevention guidelines to include Lenacapavir, training healthcare providers on how to prescribe and monitor its use, listing Lenacapavir among Uganda’s essential medicines and adjusting data tools and systems to track usage and ensure accountability.
Only after these preparatory steps are complete will Lenacapavir be made available to the public, primarily targeting populations at high risk of HIV infection.
While the introduction of Lenacapavir is highly anticipated, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains available at selected health facilities across the country.
Additionally, another long-acting injectable Cabotegravir, administered every two months has already been integrated into Uganda’s HIV prevention guidelines, with access expected to scale up in the coming months.
The Uganda AIDS Commission emphasized that the integration of Lenacapavir will broaden prevention options, improve adherence, and reach people for whom daily pills or more frequent injections are not feasible.
The development underscores Uganda’s continued commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through science, innovation, and public health infrastructure.
“Uganda remains committed to providing effective and innovative solutions to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” the statement read.
