The Uganda Aids Commission has revealed plans to introduce the use of the six month lenacapavir injection for Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis as part of the country’s efforts to curb the spread of the HIV Virus in the country.
The Commission made the revelation in a press release on Saturday noting that the decision was reached after research successfully established that the six- monthly injection offers 100 percent protection to HIV negative individuals against acquiring HIV.
“Uganda was one of the countries where our scientists participated in carrying out this groundbreaking research” the statement read.
The commission said following the US Food and Drug Administration approval of its production and use, the innovative HIV Prevention tool will be made available in Uganda after close consultations with stake holders and compliance with the minimum requirements.
The commission noted that Lenacapavir will be integrated into Uganda’s HIV Prevention program after the ministry of health together with relevant authorities like the National Drug Authority evaluating and licensing the drug for use in the country.
Update national HIV prevention guidelines to guide on the use of Lenacapavir, Train healthcare providers, incorporate Lenacapavir into the essential drugs list of the country and revise tools to enable capture of data on use of Lenacapavir in order to be able to monitor clients on Lenacapavir and give accountability.
This, the commission says will expand options for individuals at high risk of HIV infection while oral PrEP will continue to be offered at designated facilities across the country.
