Uganda AIDS Commission Announces Breakthrough in HIV Prevention with Lenacapavir Injection

The Uganda AIDS Commission, under the Office of the President, has officially announced a groundbreaking development in the country’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. In a press release, the Commission revealed that research into the use of Lenacapavir—a six-monthly injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection among HIV-negative individuals. Uganda proudly participated in this global research initiative, with Ugandan scientists playing a key role in the study’s success.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug developed to prevent HIV infection. Following its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Uganda is now set to incorporate the drug into its national HIV prevention framework. This move comes after extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure that all minimum compliance requirements are met.

According to the Commission, this innovative HIV prevention option will be made available in Uganda through a series of carefully coordinated steps involving the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.

Key Steps to Facilitate Roll-Out in Uganda

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various stakeholders, will implement the following actions to prepare for the introduction of Lenacapavir in Uganda:

Licensing and Evaluation: The National Drug Authority will assess and approve Lenacapavir for use within Uganda.

Guideline Updates: National HIV prevention guidelines will be revised to include protocols for the use of Lenacapavir.

Healthcare Provider Training: Medical professionals will undergo training to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to prescribe and monitor the use of Lenacapavir effectively.

Essential Medicines Listing: Lenacapavir will be added to Uganda’s list of essential drugs to ensure availability and affordability.

Monitoring and Accountability: Tools and systems will be updated to enable comprehensive data capture and monitoring of clients on Lenacapavir, ensuring transparency and programmatic accountability.

Expansion of HIV Prevention Services

Once these foundational steps are completed, Lenacapavir will be fully integrated into Uganda’s HIV prevention programs. This will enhance access to modern prevention tools for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV. The Uganda AIDS Commission also confirmed that oral PrEP will remain available at designated health facilities across the country.

In addition, Cabotegravir, another highly effective injectable PrEP administered every two months, has already been integrated into the Ministry of Health’s prevention programs. Efforts are underway to make this option locally available, including partnerships aimed at facilitating domestic production.

A Vision for an AIDS-Free Uganda

This development is aligned with Uganda’s broader national goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030. By incorporating cutting-edge biomedical interventions such as Lenacapavir and Cabotegravir, Uganda is demonstrating its commitment to leveraging innovation to protect its citizens from new HIV infections.

As the nation moves forward with the rollout of this new prevention strategy, the Uganda AIDS Commission remains steadfast in its mission to provide effective, science-driven solutions that address the evolving nature of the HIV epidemic.