Kampala – The Uganda Ministry of Health has taken a significant step towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, embracing cutting-edge innovations in HIV prevention.
Despite making progress in combating HIV, with an HIV prevalence of 5.5% among adults aged 15-49 years and an estimated 38,000 new infections in 2023 (UNAIDS), the need for effective prevention strategies remains urgent in Uganda.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine announced on Thursday the country’s commitment to introducing new Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) products, including injectable Lenacapavir.
“The recent findings from Gilead Sciences’ PURPOSE 1 trial, showing that injectable Lenacapavir was 100% effective in preventing transmission of HIV among women and adolescent girls, are a game-changer for us. We are eager to bring this innovation to Uganda and make it accessible to those who need it most,” Dr. Atwine said at a media orientation meeting on HIV Prevention in Kampala on Thursday.
However, Dr. Atwine noted that it will take time before Lenacapavir is widely available in Uganda. “When these solutions become available, they are not easily accessible and will take time to reach everyone who needs them. However, we believe that once a solution providing 100% protection is found, it will receive 100% support from all entities,” she added.
Lenacapavir, currently under review, promises to reduce the burden of daily pills, stigma, and pressure on healthcare systems.
According to Dr. Flavia Matovu Kiwewa, director of research at Makerere University, Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) research collaboration, Lenacapavir is a highly potent and effective drug that stays in the body for six months, interrupting HIV transmission at multiple stages.
“It works to prevent HIV because it stays long in one’s body for six months, and then it works at different stages of HIV transmission, making it highly effective,” said Dr. Matovu, who led the PURPOSE ONE study in Uganda conducted between August 2021 and May, 2024 and is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Uganda continues to provide oral PrEP to over 700,000 individuals across 635 health facilities and the dapivirine vaginal ring (PrEP ring) at various public health facilities, including Mbarara Health Centre IV, Bufunda Health Centre III, Kitgum Hospital, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Namakwekwe Health Centre III, Bison Health Centre III, and Malaba Health Centre IV.
The ministry officials say plans are underway to expand access to four more facilities by August 2024. “With support of the Global Fund, we are adding new facilities, including Masaka Kasenselo, the Marpi Clinic in Kampala, Bugembe Health Center in Jinja, and Kyenjonjo Hospital,” said Dr. Herbert Kadama, National PrEP Coordinator, Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, the ministry says Uganda will introduce the 2-monthly injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA/CAB PrEP) in the same facilities offering the PrEP ring, with a rollout planned for end of August 2024 and February 2025.
With these advancements, Uganda is poised to make significant strides in combating HIV and achieving its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. New Pre-Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products offer hope in accelerating progress towards HIV prevention.
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