Uganda Rolls Out 6-Month HIV Prevention Injection

Imagine protecting yourself from HIV with just two doctor visits a year instead of taking a pill every single day.

Uganda is making that possibility real by rolling out Lenacapavir, a long-acting injection that prevents HIV infection for six months at a time. Since launching the program in April 2026, the country has distributed the medication to over 104 health facilities, with 19,000 doses already reaching people who need them most.

The breakthrough medication addresses a problem that has plagued HIV prevention for years. Many people struggle to take daily prevention pills consistently due to stigma, forgetfulness, or the simple challenge of remembering medication every single day.

Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiwewa from Makerere University Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration says clinical studies have delivered stunning results. The PURPOSE One study, involving 5,000 adolescent girls and young women, showed Lenacapavir provided almost complete protection against HIV infection.

A second study focusing on men who have sex with men, transgender people, and other high-risk populations confirmed the same near-perfect protection rate. These results represent one of the most significant advances in HIV prevention in recent years.

Uganda's health authorities are prioritizing pregnant and breastfeeding women during the initial rollout, as they face heightened vulnerability to HIV infection. About 70% of current doses are going to this group, with the remaining 30% distributed among men and other eligible populations.

The medication is provided completely free at public and private not-for-profit health facilities across the country. However, global demand remains high because the drug is still under patent protection and production capacity is limited.

The Ripple Effect

With Uganda recording about 100 new HIV infections every day, Lenacapavir could dramatically reduce transmission rates if uptake remains strong. The impact extends beyond individual protection to potentially reshaping the country's fight against AIDS as a public health threat.

Researchers are already working on the next generation through the PURPOSE 365 program. If successful, people may only need one injection annually for complete HIV prevention.

Health experts emphasize that while Lenacapavir offers powerful HIV protection, it doesn't prevent other sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B, or pregnancy. Dr. Peter Nadiope, Head of HIV Prevention at Uganda's Ministry of Health, urges people to continue using condoms and getting regular testing.

The medication works best when people return on schedule for their twice-yearly injections. Missing appointments for extended periods may reduce protection levels, so following medical guidance remains essential.

More doses are expected to arrive later this year and into next year as Uganda continues expanding access to this life-changing prevention tool.