Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) has approved Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection taken just twice a year, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The drug, manufactured by US-based pharmaceutical company Gilead, is a form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) designed to protect people who are at high risk of HIV infection.
Unlike daily pills, Lenacapavir only requires two doses a year, a move experts say could significantly improve adherence and protection.
Health advocates have welcomed the approval, calling it a game-changer for HIV prevention in Uganda, where challenges such as pill fatigue, stigma, and inconsistent access have affected PrEP uptake.
With this approval, Uganda takes a bold step forward in expanding HIV prevention options and strengthening efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Medical experts believe the introduction of long-acting PrEP could help protect thousands more people, especially key populations, and bring the country closer to an HIV-free future.
