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Health experts back new HIV prevention shot

23 June 2026, 2:36 pm

Medical disposable syringe for vaccine injection and glass vial on blue blur background.

By Brian Oloya

Health experts have urged the public to embrace the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, describing it as a major breakthrough that could significantly reduce new HIV infections across the region.

Speaking during a Health Journalists Network meeting held at the Gulu City Council Hall over the weekend, Dr. Stella Ayaa, the health official in charge of Bardege Health Centre III, revealed that the first 40 doses of the Lenacapavir injection have already been administered to the initial group of beneficiaries.

Dr. Ayaa explained that Lenacapavir belongs to a class of antiretroviral drugs called capsid inhibitors. While it is traditionally used to treat highly treatment-experienced people living with HIV, medical advancements are now proving it to be a major game-changer in HIV prevention.

Dr. Ayaa Stella the in charge Bardege health center III on Lenacapavir injectable drug.
Dr. Ayaa Stella in charge Bardege Health center III explaining to the journalists on the safety of the lenacapavir to the various categories of people.

Dr. Ayaa further reassured the public that the medication is completely safe, noting that it has no adverse effects on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or patients undergoing Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B treatment. She added that the injection does not interfere with family planning methods.

Dr. stella Ayaa explaining the safety of lenacapavir on pregnant mothers.

During the same session, Susan Kibwola, a peer educator and one of the first local beneficiaries to receive the drug, encouraged the community to shed fear and take advantage of the new intervention, describing the injection as painless and easy to use.

Kipwola Susan one of the beneficiaries of lenacapavir encouraging people on the uptake of the medicine.
Kipwola Susan one of the beneficiaries speaking to the journalists at the training at Gulu district council hall at the 19 June 2026

The introduction of Lenacapavir marks a significant shift from daily oral pills to long-acting, discreet prevention methods, offering hope for a sharp decline in regional infection rates.