The HIV prevention injection Uganda plans to roll out in 2026 will reach only 17,000 people, despite rising demand. The Ministry of Health says this limited access comes from a $1.1 million Global Fund grant, used to buy the first doses of Lenacapavir.
Dr. Hudson Balidawa, who manages Global Fund HIV programs in Uganda, confirmed that the government finalized a deal to purchase the drug. Uganda expects the first batch to arrive by January 2026. Each person will receive two injections a year. The 34,000 doses acquired will serve just 17,000 people.
However, officials expect more than 67,000 people to request access. “We’re starting with 17,000, but demand will be much higher,” Dr. Balidawa said. “That’s why we’ve budgeted for more and will ask new partners to step in.”
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, offers long-acting HIV protection. It was tested in Uganda and South Africa. Trial results showed it provides 100% protection against HIV when used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative individuals.
Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiweewa, who led Uganda’s trials, explained how the drug works. “After injection, it forms a depot under the skin. It then releases slowly over six months, protecting the body throughout that time,” she said.
Earlier reports showed the drug cost as much as $28,000 per person per year. However, new Global Fund arrangements have significantly reduced the cost. According to Dr. Robert Mutumba, head of the AIDS Control Programme, Uganda will pay only $60 per person per year through the grant.
The Global Fund signed an agreement with Gilead to offer the drug at a reduced cost to low- and middle-income countries. Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, called the development a major milestone. “This isn’t just science—it’s a shift in the fight against HIV,” he said. “Our goal is to reach 2 million people with long-acting PrEP.”
Uganda’s initial funding is part of a larger $246 million grant from the Global Fund. The government will distribute the HIV prevention injection Uganda is introducing to people at high risk. These include individuals in discordant relationships, sex workers, and people who inject drugs.
The new drug will be available at facilities that already offer PrEP. These sites currently provide daily oral pills and injectable Cabotegravir. Patients already enrolled can switch to Lenacapavir. New patients at these centers can also start with the injection if eligible.
Once approved by the National Drug Authority (NDA), Lenacapavir may also be available in private pharmacies. Officials believe private sector access will increase privacy and convenience, especially for those concerned about stigma.
Despite medical progress, experts still stress the importance of traditional HIV prevention. Prof. Sam Okware of the Uganda National Health Research Organisation said education remains key. “Prevention through ABC—Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use—has kept many of us safe,” he noted.
The Uganda AIDS Commission also encourages people at high risk to use current PrEP options. Oral PrEP is effective, but many struggle with daily adherence. Lenacapavir offers a simpler solution for people who need consistent protection without daily pills.
While the rollout begins on a small scale, the HIV prevention injection Uganda is adopting marks a new chapter in HIV prevention. Officials hope that by demonstrating demand, they can attract more support to expand access in the near future.
