Uganda is poised to expand its HIV prevention toolkit with 94,560 doses of the long‑acting injectable drug lenacapavir set to arrive next week in a major push to strengthen pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage nationwide.

This shipment, the largest yet announced for Uganda, follows the National Drug Authority’s (NDA) approval of lenacapavir in early January as a twice‑yearly, long‑acting HIV prevention option.

What Is Lenacapavir and How Does It Work?

Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, is a once‑every‑6‑months injectable HIV prevention drug (PrEP) developed by U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences. Unlike traditional daily oral PrEP pills, lenacapavir offers extended protection with minimal dosing, just two injections per year, making it an attractive option for people at high risk of HIV.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised lenacapavir as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for populations facing challenges with daily adherence, stigma, and frequent clinic visits.

Latest Update: Large Consignment Incoming

According to health officials, Uganda is set to receive 94,560 doses of lenacapavir next week as part of a broader national rollout strategy. These doses will significantly boost access for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

Lenacapavir is specifically for HIV‑negative individuals, meaning people must test negative for HIV immediately before starting and at each subsequent six‑month injection. The drug is approved for adolescents and adults weighing at least 35 kg (77 lbs) who are at high risk of HIV acquisition.

Why This Matters for HIV Prevention in Uganda

Uganda continues to face a high burden of new HIV infections each year. Health leaders have described lenacapavir as a game‑changer, not a cure, but a powerful prevention tool that could dramatically reduce new infections when integrated into existing HIV prevention strategies.

Lenacapavir can help overcome long‑standing barriers to HIV prevention, including:

- Challenges with taking a daily pill (adherence fatigue)

- Limited access to consistent healthcare services

- HIV‑related stigma and discrimination

Clinical evidence from global studies has shown lenacapavir to be highly effective in preventing HIV infection with biannual injections, with some trials demonstrating near‑perfect prevention outcomes among participants.

Rollout, Partners, and Access

The initial rollout in Uganda has been supported through global health partnerships, including funding and strategic agreements with organisations like the Global Fund and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Health authorities are prioritising high‑risk populations, such as:

- Young women and adolescent girls

- Individuals in discordant relationships (where one partner is HIV‑positive and the other is negative)

- Key populations with high exposure risk

Officials emphasise that expanding access will require continued collaboration between public health institutions, international partners, and community organisations to ensure equitable distribution and education.

What’s Next for Uganda’s HIV Prevention Landscape

With this latest consignment, Uganda expects to scale up lenacapavir delivery nationwide through government clinics, partner programmes, and community health services. This strategy aims to complement existing HIV prevention services, such as daily oral PrEP and HIV testing, and bring the country closer to the shared goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.