Uganda expands rollout of Lenacapavir as new HIV prevention hope emerges

15 June 2026, 9:32 am

By Byamukama Alozious

Uganda is expanding the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with health officials and researchers describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against new HIV infections.

The injectable drug, administered once every six months, is already being distributed in more than 104 health facilities across the country, targeting populations at substantial risk of HIV infection.

According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda received its first batch of Lenacapavir in March this year before officially launching the drug in April in Lira City.

Dr. Pamela Achii, a specialist in health products management at the Ministry of Health, said the country has already distributed about 19,000 doses, with another consignment expected later this year to strengthen access among high-risk populations.

“We received a limited supply of this medicine, enough to initially provide about 19,000 doses for our people, but we expect more consignments later this year and next year,” Dr. Achii said.

She explained that Lenacapavir remains limited globally because it is still under patent protection and manufacturing capacity remains low worldwide.

“The drug is free to eligible people in public and PNFP health facilities. However, supply is still limited because many countries are competing for the same doses,” she added.

Health officials say the medicine is being prioritised for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who remain among the groups most vulnerable to HIV infection.

Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiwewa of Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) Research Collaboration said findings from the landmark PURPOSE One study showed that Lenacapavir provided almost 100 percent protection against HIV infection among participants.

The study involved about 5,000 adolescent girls and young women, while another parallel study, PURPOSE Two, focused on men who have sex with men, transgender persons, and other high-risk populations.

“We found that the results were very consistent, with almost 100 percent protection in the two trials,” Dr. Flavia said.

She noted that researchers began exploring long-acting prevention options because many people struggle with taking daily oral PrEP pills consistently due to stigma, forgetfulness, or living conditions.

“Taking a pill every day is not practical for many people. That is why researchers explored a six-month injection that could offer strong protection against HIV,” she said.

Dr. Flavia revealed that some facilities are already prioritising pregnant and lactating women during the rollout.

“About 70 percent of LEN is currently going to pregnant and breastfeeding women, while 30 percent is being provided to men,” she explained.

Researchers say the studies are still ongoing to collect more information about long-term safety, effectiveness, and how the drug performs when users delay returning for their next injection.

“We are continuing to collect data to assure communities that the drug is safe and effective in real-world settings,” Dr. Flavia added.

Despite the excitement surrounding the drug, health experts warned that Lenacapavir only protects against HIV and does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hepatitis B, or pregnancy.

Dr. Peter Nadiope, Head of HIV Prevention at the Ministry of Health, cautioned that communities should continue using condoms and other prevention measures.

“Lenacapavir protects against HIV, but not against STIs or pregnancy. People must continue testing for STIs, using condoms, and seeking treatment where necessary,” Dr. Nadiope said.

He also raised concern over rising STI infections among young people, especially chlamydia, which he said contributes significantly to infertility among women.

“We are seeing high rates of STIs among young women. Chlamydia often has no symptoms, yet it is linked to most infertility cases,” he explained.

Uganda currently records about 100 new HIV infections every day, according to health officials, though experts hope newer prevention tools like Lenacapavir will significantly reduce infections in the coming years.

Researchers are now studying an even longer-lasting version of the drug known as PURPOSE 365, which could provide HIV protection for an entire year through a single injection.

“If successful, people may only need one injection every year for HIV prevention,” Dr. Flavia said.

Health experts say while Lenacapavir represents a major scientific breakthrough, adherence remains critical.

“If someone delays for many months after their scheduled injection, protection may reduce. Every prevention method works best when used correctly,” Dr. Flavia emphasised.