Uganda Launches Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Shot Lenacapavir This Friday

Uganda is set to roll out Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable for preventing HIV, administered just twice annually. The launch occurs this Friday at Lira Regional Referral Hospital under the theme ‘Expanding HIV Prevention Choices with Lenacapavir: A bold step towards an HIV-free generation.’

Clinical trials have demonstrated nearly 100% effectiveness in stopping HIV infections. Recently approved by the US FDA, this milestone clears the path for Uganda’s national rollout, boosting efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health issue by 2030.

The medication targets high-risk groups such as adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, female sex workers, and their male clients. Only HIV-negative individuals qualify for administration, as confirmed by Dr. Andrew Odur, director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

Lira Hospital, Uganda’s second-largest HIV chronic care center with 11,000 patients, has shifted to integrated services. This move addresses past stigma that segregated HIV patients and overlooked non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.

Dr. Odur noted that integration provides a comprehensive patient view, screening for multiple conditions alongside ARV therapy. Patients report higher satisfaction, and the hospital is decentralizing care to reduce congestion and stigma-driven travel.

This change accelerated after US funding cuts for HIV commodities in March 2024, prompting staff retraining and space redesigns for holistic care.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)