The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, has officially launched the Lenacapavir injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, marking a major step forward in Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Dr. Aceng reflected on Uganda’s long-standing leadership in combating HIV, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s when the country took bold and open measures to address the epidemic.
She noted that this same determination continues to guide efforts toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Uganda has made notable progress over the years, reducing new HIV infections from 96,000 in 2010 to 37,000 by the end of 2025. More than 1.4 million Ugandan’s are currently on treatment, with access to HIV services reaching over 98 percent nationwide.
Despite these gains, the Minister cautioned that the fight is far from over, with about 100 new infections recorded daily, many among young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women.
Dr. Aceng described Lenacapavir as a “game changer” in HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral pills, the new injectable is administered only twice a year, offering a more convenient and highly effective option for individuals at high risk of infection.
She emphasized that while new innovations are critical, traditional prevention methods remain essential. The Minister urged the public to continue following the ABC strategy, abstinence, being faithful to one partner, and consistent condom use, alongside regular HIV testing.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of knowing one’s HIV status, noting that over 150,000 Ugandan’s living with HIV are unaware of their condition. She encouraged widespread testing, which is free, confidential, and available across health facilities and pharmacies.
Addressing the people of Lira City, Dr. Aceng called on the community to take the lead as the first in Uganda to receive the Lenacapavir intervention.
She urged local leaders, health workers, and residents to embrace the innovation, fight stigma, and promote open discussions about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
She further called on community leaders to mobilize support and ensure that services are accessed with dignity and confidentiality, stressing that prevention is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to investing in HIV prevention, treatment, and strengthening health systems to ensure equitable access to services.
Dr. Aceng also acknowledged the support of partners, including the Global Fund, for their continued contribution to Uganda’s HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programs.
The Hospital Director, Andrew Odur, has cautioned the public against complacency following the introduction of the new HIV prevention drug, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and responsible behavior.
Dr. Odur expressed concern that some people may wrongly believe the new medication has solved all challenges related to HIV prevention, leading to risky behavior. He stressed that clear and consistent messaging is critical to ensure the drug is used correctly and effectively.
“We must make sure the message is very clear so that this well-intended drug is not misused,” he noted, adding that the fight against HIV still requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, testing, and adherence to medical guidance.
At the same time, Dr. Odur highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), warning that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses are on the rise.
He called for equal attention to tackling these diseases alongside ongoing HIV prevention efforts.
He urged the public and health stakeholders to remain committed to protecting their health, adopt responsible lifestyles, and support initiatives aimed at reducing both HIV infections and the increasing cases of NCDs.
The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to significantly boost Uganda’s efforts to curb new infections and move closer to ending AIDS by 2030.
