Health 14 June 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
High Demand for New HIV Prevention Injection Strains Supply in Uganda
Uganda's Ministry of Health is grappling with an unprecedented demand for Lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, particularly from men, which has outstripped the initial supply. The manufacturer's bottleneck with accompanying oral tablets has delayed a crucial second shipment, raising concerns about sustained access to the drug. Source: https://observer.ug/news/demand-outstrips-supply-as-more-men-seek-hiv-prevention-jab
Uganda is experiencing a surge in demand for Lenacapavir, a novel injectable drug designed for HIV prevention. The Ministry of Health has reported that the number of individuals, especially men, seeking this twice-yearly jab has surpassed the available stock.
Initially, 19,200 doses were distributed to 103 health facilities when the program launched in April. However, a global shortage of the oral tablets required as a loading dose, manufactured by Gilead, has hampered further distribution. Consequently, a planned October delivery has been delayed, creating a supply gap.
Currently, the high cost of Lenacapavir, estimated at around $28,000 per dose, means Uganda relies heavily on donations from the Global Fund and the U.S. government. Dr. Herbert Kadama, the Ministry of Health’s PrEP coordinator, expressed surprise at the significant interest from men, as clinical trials demonstrating the drug’s efficacy focused on young women.
Access to Lenacapavir is strictly managed, requiring individuals to undergo thorough screening and meet specific eligibility criteria, particularly for those at very high risk of HIV infection. Despite these limitations, healthcare facilities continue to receive numerous inquiries.
Researchers are optimistic that future supply issues will be resolved. Agreements with six pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce generic versions of Lenacapavir are expected to drastically reduce costs to approximately $40 per dose within two years. In the interim, priority is being given to pregnant and breastfeeding women at research institutions.
For those unable to access Lenacapavir, health officials recommend alternative HIV prevention methods. These include daily oral PrEP tablets and Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), another long-acting injectable option administered every two months. These alternatives remain effective and widely available as efforts continue to scale up Lenacapavir access.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)