Public has been urged not to lower their shield in prevention of HIV/Aids with introduction of new Lenacapavir, the twice yearly HIV prevention injection.
Mbarara city health educator and HIV focal person, Dorcus Twinabeitu emphasized that Lenacapavir is only one of several preventive measures, alongside abstinence, condom use, vaginal rings, and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
She noted that Lenacapavir doses are still few compared to the demand thus noting that the target risk groups include sex workers, truck drivers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
This was during a media health café in Mbarara City organized by the Uganda Journalists Health Network (HEJNU) and the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS).
Lenacapavir is administered twice a year, with each dose lasting six months.
The drug remains in the body for up to a year after the last injection, raising concerns about drug resistance if someone acquires HIV during that period.
Twinabaitu stressed the importance of adherence once treatment begins.
During the same café Nakabugo Rose, commonly known as Ssenga one of the sex workers coordinator , appealed to government to increase supplies of Lenacapavir, citing growing demand and limited availability at health facilities.
Speaking at a media health café in Mbarara City organized by the Uganda Journalists Health Network (HEJNU) and the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS), said many colleagues seeking the six month injection are being turned away.
Ssenga urged government to train peers and Village Health Teams (VHTs), noting that overburdened health workers often lack time to provide comprehensive information about the dosage.
She pledged to remain alert to new scientific developments to protect young people from acquiring HIV.
Uganda rolled out Lenacapavir in April 2026 with an initial supply of 19,200 doses.
National HIV prevalence among adults stands at approximately 4.9–5.1%, with 1.4 million people living with HIV.
While new infections have declined over recent decades, adolescent girls and young women remain disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly 60% of annual transmissions.
