Uganda to Receive First Shipment of Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injections in October
Uganda is set to receive its first shipment of long-acting HIV prevention injections in October, marking a significant advancement in the fight against HIV/AIDS. These injections, effective for up to two months per dose, represent a novel approach to prevention. The Ministry of Health will provide these injections free of charge at public health facilities.
Uganda is poised to receive its inaugural shipment of long-acting HIV prevention injections, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s campaign against HIV/AIDS. Scheduled to arrive this October, these injections herald a pioneering approach to HIV prevention, boasting efficacy for up to two months per dose.
Uganda, a nation long afflicted by the impact of HIV, has employed various strategies over the years to mitigate its spread, ranging from behavioral interventions to biomedical advancements. The introduction of these injections underscores Uganda’s commitment to achieving global targets aimed at eradicating new HIV infections by 2030.
Dr. Herbert Kadama, the PrEP Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, underscored the pivotal role of these injections in expanding HIV prevention options. “Since 2017, Uganda has proactively provided oral PrEP to high-risk individuals. With the imminent arrival of long-acting injectable PrEP, we aim to further bolster accessibility and efficacy in our prevention efforts,” stated Dr. Herbert Kadama.
In 2022, the World Health Organization hailed the long-acting injectable as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, lauding its superior efficacy and ease of administration compared to daily oral medication. Notably, studies like HPTN 083 and HPTN 084 have demonstrated that these injections can reduce HIV transmission risk by up to 79% compared to oral PrEP, addressing adherence challenges associated with daily regimens.
Dr. Timothy Batuwa, Shadow Health Minister, stressed Uganda’s active participation in global studies to validate the injections’ efficacy over prolonged periods. “Our engagement in ongoing research underscores our commitment to ensuring that all individuals, particularly those most vulnerable to HIV, have access to cutting-edge prevention methods,” affirmed Dr. Batuwa.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that these injections will be freely available at all public health facilities nationwide. Nonetheless, health experts caution against complacency, advocating for sustained vigilance and responsible behavior in confronting HIV/AIDS.
As Uganda prepares to receive over 3000 doses of the new injectable PrEP, anticipation runs high among health officials and communities alike. The forthcoming rollout in October heralds a new era in Uganda’s battle against HIV/AIDS, offering renewed optimism for a future liberated from the burden of this devastating disease.
