Kampala, Uganda – Uganda is set to become one of the first ten countries in the world to receive lenacapavir, a groundbreaking drug that prevents HIV infection.
Developed by U.S.-based Gilead Sciences, lenacapavir is administered only twice a year and has shown over 99% effectiveness in clinical trials, making it one of the most promising tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The introduction of the drug is part of a partnership between the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the U.S. government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The Ministry of Health plans to start rolling out the drug in 2026, prioritizing people at high risk, including young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and other vulnerable groups.
U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp described the arrival of lenacapavir as a major breakthrough in HIV prevention. “Uganda’s early access to lenacapavir reflects strong health cooperation between our two countries and our shared commitment to ending HIV as a public threat,” he said.
To ensure affordability, the U.S. government and the Global Fund are co-financing an advanced market commitment, making the drug accessible to up to two million people in high-burden countries by 2028.
Gilead has also agreed to supply the drug at cost and share its patent with generic manufacturers to expand access.
Officials say if the rollout is successful, lenacapavir could significantly reduce new HIV infections in Uganda, bringing the country closer to achieving epidemic control and improving public health outcomes.
The Ministry of Health is currently developing a national strategy to ensure the drug is safely and effectively distributed across the country.
