The Makerere University Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration has announced promising developments in HIV prevention that could transform the fight against the virus in Uganda and beyond.
Researchers are currently conducting studies aimed at extending the effectiveness of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable HIV prevention drug from its current six-month duration to a once-a-year regimen.
This announcement comes shortly after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tool, following clinical trials that demonstrated its strong efficacy in preventing HIV infection.
The new formulation offers a vital alternative for individuals who may find daily oral PrEP or more frequent injections difficult to maintain.
With global attention turning toward long-acting solutions in HIV prevention, Uganda is moving swiftly. The Uganda AIDS Commission has confirmed that the country is on track to approve lenacapavir for national use by the end of 2025.
Health officials say the drug could be a game-changer, particularly for high-risk populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and adolescent girls and young women, groups that continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new infections.
“This is an exciting step toward making HIV prevention simpler, more discreet, and more accessible,” said a spokesperson from the Makerere–Johns Hopkins Collaboration. “The potential for a once-a-year injectable means people won’t have to worry about missing daily pills or monthly appointments.”
As research continues and regulatory processes move forward, stakeholders across Uganda are preparing for implementation. Public health experts, community leaders, and advocacy groups are all focused on ensuring that when lenacapavir becomes available, it reaches the communities that need it most.
The transition to long-acting PrEP could mark a pivotal moment in HIV prevention efforts—not just in Uganda, but globally.
