Clinical studies have demonstrated exceptionally high effectiveness in preventing HIV infection among people at substantial risk, fueling optimism that the drug could become a major tool in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Health authorities in Mbarara City are raising concerns over an overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir, a newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, after the city’s entire initial stock was depleted within just two days of its arrival.
Officials say the rapid uptake signals a growing public appetite for innovative and convenient HIV prevention methods, particularly among populations at higher risk of infection.
Mbarara City’s HIV focal person, Dorcus Twinabaitu, revealed that the city received only 40 doses of the injectable medication in May, an amount that proved far too small to meet public demand.
“The demand was far beyond what we anticipated. Within two days, all 40 doses had been administered, leaving many people on the waiting list,” Twinabaitu said.
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Health workers reported that dozens of eligible residents flocked to health facilities seeking access to the new HIV prevention option, forcing authorities to begin compiling waiting lists for future supplies.
The unprecedented response reflects increasing awareness of HIV prevention services and a growing preference for long-acting interventions that eliminate the need for daily medication.
A Breakthrough in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir has attracted global attention for its potential to transform HIV prevention strategies. Administered as a subcutaneous injection once every six months, it is among the longest-acting HIV prevention options currently available.
The medicine belongs to a class of drugs known as capsid inhibitors, which target the protective protein shell surrounding the HIV virus. By disrupting several stages of the virus’s life cycle, Lenacapavir prevents HIV from establishing infection in the body.
Health experts say the drug could particularly benefit people who struggle to consistently take daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills due to stigma, forgetfulness, demanding work schedules, or frequent travel.
Clinical studies have demonstrated exceptionally high effectiveness in preventing HIV infection among people at substantial risk, fueling optimism that the drug could become a major tool in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Why Residents Are Embracing the Injection
Public health officials attribute the surge in demand to the convenience and privacy offered by the new treatment.
Unlike daily PrEP pills, Lenacapavir requires only two injections per year, making it easier for many individuals to maintain consistent protection against HIV.
Many users also consider the injectable option more discreet, helping them avoid the stigma that can be associated with taking HIV prevention medication. Others say the six-month protection period provides peace of mind, especially for individuals whose occupations or lifestyles increase their risk of HIV exposure.
Health workers say those seeking the injection include young adults, university students, traders, mobile workers, sex workers, and people in sero-discordant relationships, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative.
Mbarara Remains a High-Burden HIV Area
The surge in demand comes as Mbarara continues to face a significant HIV burden.
Although Uganda has made considerable progress in reducing new HIV infections and expanding access to treatment, HIV prevalence in the Mbarara region remains higher than the national average.
According to health data, HIV prevalence in Mbarara District has been estimated at more than 14 percent in recent years, compared to the national adult prevalence rate of about 5 percent.
As a major commercial and transportation hub in southwestern Uganda, Mbarara faces unique challenges that contribute to ongoing HIV transmission.
The district sits along major transport routes connecting Uganda to Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of East Africa. The movement of truck drivers, traders, migrant workers and travelers has been identified as a key factor sustaining transmission.
Health experts also point to alcohol abuse, transactional sex, multiple sexual partnerships, gender inequalities and inconsistent condom use as contributors to high infection rates.
Young women and adolescent girls remain particularly vulnerable, while key populations such as sex workers and fishing communities in neighboring districts continue to experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection.
Calls for More Supplies
Health authorities are now urging the Ministry of Health and development partners to increase supplies of Lenacapavir to prevent eligible residents from missing out on the potentially life-changing intervention.
Twinabaitu said the swift uptake demonstrates that communities are willing to embrace new HIV prevention technologies when they are made accessible.
“The response shows that people want to protect themselves from HIV. We need more supplies so that those who qualify for the injection are not turned away,” she said.
In the meantime, officials are encouraging residents awaiting new stock to continue using other proven HIV prevention methods, including condoms, regular HIV testing, voluntary medical male circumcision and oral PrEP.
Public health advocates believe that expanding access to Lenacapavir alongside existing prevention and treatment services could significantly reduce new HIV infections in Mbarara and help Uganda achieve its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
