Kamwenge District health authorities have started preparations for the rollout of the new HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, expected to begin in September this year.
Lenacapavir is an injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drug used to prevent HIV infection among HIV-negative people who are at substantial risk of contracting the virus. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, the injection is administered once every six months, offering a long-term prevention option for vulnerable populations.
In April this year, the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, officially launched the national rollout of Lenacapavir at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.The Ministry of Health indicated that the rollout would be implemented in phases, beginning with high-burden districts and groups at greater risk of HIV infection.
Speaking to reporters, Kamwenge District Health Officer Dr. William Mucunguzi said the district has already commenced training health workers who will be responsible for administering the injection.
Dr. Mucunguzi explained that after the training, district officials will conduct community sensitization campaigns to educate residents about the eligibility requirements, access points, and importance of the injection in preventing HIV infections. He revealed that Kamwenge Health Centre III has been selected as the storage and distribution center for the drug in the district.
According to Dr. Mucunguzi, the injection will be offered free of charge to eligible individuals, adding that only people who test HIV-negative will qualify to receive it. He called upon residents to cooperate with health workers and continue supporting interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections in the district.
Meanwhile, Dina Twijukye, a resident of Kamwenge Town Council, welcomed the development, saying many people have struggled to consistently take daily preventive pills. She noted that the twice-a-year injection is likely to improve adherence and make HIV prevention easier for many people in the community. URN