Mbarara, Uganda August 24, 2026, a new HIV prevention drug administered by injection once every six months is set to be introduced at selected health facilities in Western Uganda, offering people at risk of HIV infection another option for preventing the virus.

By Sr. Stella Watsema OLGC

Health workers from six selected health facilities are currently undergoing a five day training in Mbarara at Bishop Kakubi memorial hall to prepare them for the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention option under Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services.

The training is being conducted by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) a health department at the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with support from FHI.

According to Nyakato Jennifer, an HIV prevention officer and coordinator of PrEP services at UCMB, the training is equipping health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide Lenacapavir and other HIV prevention services in the selected health facilities in the region.

What is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP option designed to help prevent HIV infection among people who are HIV-negative and at risk of acquiring the virus. Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, potentially making it a convenient option for people who may find it difficult to take HIV prevention pills every day.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, refers to medicines taken by people who are HIV-negative to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. The training is also covering other PrEP options and cabotegravir, another injectable PrEP option administered every two months.

Where will the service be introduced?

The training is targeting health workers from facilities serving communities in the Kigezi and Ankole regions. Among the selected facilities are Mtorere in Kisoro district, St. Daniel Camboni in Bushenyi district, Kyabirukwa in Isinjiro district and Rushoka in Ntungamo district, among others. The health workers are being trained ahead of the next phase of implementation, which is expected to begin in November 2026.

Who could benefit from Lenacapavir?

According to Jennifer, the new HIV prevention option could particularly benefit populations at increased risk of HIV infection.

These include serodiscordant couples, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. PrEP can help protect the HIV-negative partner and reduce the risk of HIV transmission within families. Other groups that could benefit include fisherfolk, long-distance truck drivers, adolescent girls and young women, as well as other populations considered to be at increased risk of HIV infection.

Health workers will also educate communities about the different PrEP options, allowing clients to choose a prevention method that best suits their needs and circumstances.

Why is the new HIV prevention option important?

The rollout comes amid continued concern over HIV infections in parts of Western Uganda, where HIV prevalence in some districts remains higher than the national average.

According to Jennifer, the Uganda AIDS Commission's 2024 report, said national HIV prevalence was estimated at about 4.9% to 5.1%, while some districts in Western Uganda recorded higher rates. She said that HIV prevalence of about 11% in Buhweju, 10% in Mbarara City, 8% to 9.4% in Bushenyi, and between 6% and 7% in several other districts.

She also said HIV prevalence remains higher among women than men, with women estimated at about 6.4% to 6.6%, compared with 3.3% to 3.4% among men. Health authorities are consequently encouraging greater male involvement in HIV testing, treatment and prevention. HIV services are also being taken closer to men through workplaces, markets, border points and other locations where men can easily access them.

Will clients pay for Lenacapavir?

Jennifer said clients will not be charged for Lenacapavir during the programme, as the medicine has been provided through donor support. She encouraged communities to embrace the new HIV prevention option and continue using available HIV prevention services.

The Ministry of Health is coordinating the training, providing technical guidance and overseeing the supply of HIV prevention commodities. Health officials hope that expanding access to a range of PrEP options, including long-acting injectable prevention, will give people greater choice and contribute to reducing new HIV infections in Uganda.