Uganda AIDS Commission announces HIV Prevention Injection
In a historic leap toward ending HIV/AIDS in Uganda today, 29 June 2025, the Uganda AIDS Commission has announced the introduction of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary new drug that provides 100% protection against HIV infection for HIV-negative individuals. The breakthrough, described as a game-changer in HIV prevention, comes after rigorous scientific research involving Ugandan experts and international health bodies.
Lenacapavir is a six-monthly injection designed for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Once administered, it protects individuals from acquiring HIV, eliminating the need for daily pills or more frequent injections. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by the Commission, operating under the Office of the President.
What Is Lenacapavir and How Does It Work?
Lenacapavir works by targeting a protein shell of the HIV virus called the capsid. This shell is essential for the virus’s ability to multiply and spread inside the body. By blocking multiple steps in the HIV lifecycle—including viral entry into human cells, replication, and release—Lenacapavir prevents HIV from establishing infection.
Unlike oral PrEP that needs to be taken daily and requires strict adherence to be effective, Lenacapavir is administered just twice a year through a simple injection under the skin, usually in the abdomen. This dramatically improves adherence, especially for those with challenging schedules, mobility issues, or social barriers to taking daily medication.
In clinical trials conducted globally, including in Uganda, Lenacapavir showed a 100% success rate in preventing HIV infections, with zero seroconversions among participants who received the injection as prescribed. These results have positioned Lenacapavir as one of the most promising tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Uganda’s Role in the Breakthrough
Uganda was one of the key countries involved in the international research that led to this medical milestone. Ugandan scientists actively participated in the clinical trials, further underlining the country’s role as a leader in public health innovation in the region.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Lenacapavir for use as PrEP. Following this approval, the Uganda AIDS Commission is now working closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to make the drug available to the Ugandan public.
Government Action Plan for National Rollout
To ensure safe, effective, and sustainable use of Lenacapavir, the Ministry of Health has laid out a five-step action plan:
- Evaluation and Licensing: The National Drug Authority will assess and license Lenacapavir for use in Uganda.
- Guideline Updates: Uganda’s national HIV prevention guidelines will be revised to include Lenacapavir.
- Training Healthcare Workers: Medical professionals will receive specialized training to prescribe, monitor, and support patients using the drug.
- Essential Drug Listing: Lenacapavir will be added to Uganda’s official list of essential drugs, making it eligible for public sector distribution.
- Data and Monitoring Systems: New tools and systems will be introduced to capture data on usage, ensure accountability, and monitor long-term outcomes for users.
This comprehensive approach aims to integrate Lenacapavir smoothly into the country’s healthcare infrastructure, targeting those most vulnerable to HIV infection.
What Happens Next?
Once the five-step process is completed, Lenacapavir will be offered as part of Uganda’s national HIV prevention program. It will provide a highly effective alternative for individuals who find it difficult to adhere to daily or bi-monthly medication schedules.
Until then, existing options like oral PrEP and Cabotegravir—an injectable given every two months—will continue to be available at designated health facilities. Cabotegravir is already included in Uganda’s prevention guidelines and is part of efforts to widen the range of HIV prevention tools available to the public.
A Major Step Toward Ending AIDS by 2030
The introduction of Lenacapavir supports Uganda’s ambitious goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030. This innovative solution addresses key barriers that have long hindered HIV prevention efforts, including pill fatigue, stigma, and challenges with consistent access.
Health experts believe that this long-acting injectable will transform the way HIV is prevented—especially for women and young people in high-risk areas, who often face difficulties in maintaining daily medication routines.
The Uganda AIDS Commission emphasized its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lenacapavir is safely and equitably introduced, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations.
What Should the Public Know?
- Lenacapavir is not a cure for HIV, but a preventive drug for those who are HIV-negative.
- It requires HIV testing before each injection to ensure that individuals are not already infected.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary injection-site reactions such as pain or swelling.
- The injection offers six months of continuous protection, after which a repeat dose is required to maintain immunity.
This development is not just a scientific triumph—it is a lifeline. If implemented effectively, Lenacapavir could drastically reduce the number of new HIV infections in Uganda and serve as a model for other countries battling similar epidemics.
As the country prepares for rollout, public awareness campaigns, healthcare provider training, and community engagement will play a crucial role in ensuring the drug’s success.
Final Word
The Uganda AIDS Commission’s announcement of Lenacapavir marks a new chapter in HIV prevention—one where science meets convenience, and where innovation fuels the hope of a future free from HIV/AIDS. With proper support, this six-month injection could save millions of lives, not just in Uganda, but across the African continent and beyond.
Uganda continues to demonstrate its leadership in public health by embracing cutting-edge solutions, placing it firmly on the path to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
