Uganda launches twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug

_________________

The Ministry of Health on Friday, April 17, 2026, officially launched the Lenacapavir injectable HIV prevention drug.

The twice-yearly HIV injectable drug launch was presided over by the Health Minister and Lira City Woman MP, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.

Dr Robert Mutumba, the Assistant Commissioner of the STD/AIDS control program, said the product launched is particularly targeting individuals who are at high-risk of HIV acquisition, like discordant couples.

Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng signing the policy framwork for the use of the lenacapavir drug in Uganda. (Photo by Joseph Ekol)

Speaking at the launch, Dowson Kalemba, the representative of the Global Fund, thanked the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health for the continued leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He also appreciated the Global Fund for making a contribution of 1.2m USD for this innovative and costly tool, such as Lenacapavir, to become accessible to vulnerable populations who would otherwise not afford it.

“This is a significant step forward in our collective effort to reduce new HIV infections,” he said.

He, however, noted that it’s important to emphasise that the introduction of the drug does not mark the end of HIV, but represents an important addition to the existing HIV prevention toolkits.

He urged the country to continue promoting and investing in a comprehensive preventive approach, such as condoms, that must remain at the centre of the prevention efforts.

A team of UPDF medical officers led by Commissioner HIV also joined the launch. (Photo by Joseph Ekol)

He pledges the Global Fund’s commitment to continue supporting Uganda to strengthen integrated service delivery across HIV, TB and Malaria and within the broader health systems and ensure the interventions deliver maximum impact and value for money and also prioritise the needs of the vulnerable and underserved population.

The United States Deputy Chief of Mission to Uganda, Mikael Cleverly, said Lenacapavir is a groundbreaking HIV prevention tool developed with American innovation and private sector partnership that will save lives and bring the country close to ending HIV as a public health threat.

He added that the United States and the Global Fund are committed to reaching 3,000,000 people in high-risk countries with Lenacapavir by 2028.

The launch with the theme “Expanding HIV Prevention Choices with Lenacapavir: A Bold Step towards an HIV free generation”, was attended by several dignitaries, including the religious leaders, the Ministry of Health officials and the US Embassy officials, as well as the local community.

The Chief Guest, Health Minister Dr Aceng, said the rollout of Lenecapavir will be phased, prioritising people at risk in the high-risk burden districts.

Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and Deputy Head of Mission, Mikael Cleverly in a group photo with other leaders after the launch of lenacapavir drug on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Photo by Joseph Ekol)

She said the ministry has completed the training of 103 health facilities across the country that will begin the phase one implementation this April, and that by December, a total of 300 health facilities shall be expected to provide leanacapavir for PrEP.

According to her, the introduction of the drug has been supported through collaboration with international partners, technical agencies, and donors, including the Global Fund, the United States, the World Health Organisation, alongside civil society organisations, community networks, and implementing partners.

At the same event, the Ministry also launched the policy framework that will guide the use of the lenacapavir drug.

“This partnership helped ensure the scientific advances translate into equitable access for communities most affected by HIV and support national efforts to strengthen prevention outcomes,” Dr Aceng stated.