The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially rolled out Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention.
This new biomedical intervention requires only one injection every six months. The Joint Staff for Health Services, Major General Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, launched the rollout at the General Military Hospital (GMH) HIV Centre in Bombo. He described the drug as a strategic addition to the military’s existing HIV response.
“The introduction of this new technology is an added weapon in our arsenal,” Maj. Gen. Dr. Musinguzi stated.
The UPDF has already trained over 50 health workers to administer the subcutaneous injection. Lt. Col. Evelyn Asiimwe, the Director of HIV/AIDS in the UPDF, noted that the injection offers a superior alternative to daily oral pills. She observed that daily pill uptake has previously faced challenges regarding consistency and adherence.
“This new option provides a more convenient and effective alternative,” Lt. Col. Asiimwe said.
Lenacapavir functions as a capsid inhibitor that prevents the virus from replicating within the body. Dr. Mary Kiba, from the GMH Bombo HIV Department, explained that the drug addresses the stigma often associated with daily medication. It provides continuous protection for half a year with a single dose.
The program currently supports over 22,000 clients across 31 military clinics. Dr. Denis Bwayo, the Programme Director of the URC-UPDF HIV Programme, reported that viral suppression rates in these clinics exceed 95 percent. He emphasized that the military must maintain a robust supply chain to ensure follow-up doses remain available every six months.
The Ministry of Health has pledged full support to help the UPDF scale this innovation. Dr. Miamuna Kinalwa, representing the AIDS Control Programme, called the rollout a significant step in expanding prevention choices for Ugandans. She urged health workers to remain vigilant in monitoring the long-term outcomes of the intervention.
Health officials will integrate the service into outpatient departments and maternal health clinics. The UPDF aims to lead the national goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
