Health educators and HIV/AIDS focal persons from across the Karamoja sub-region are undergoing training on the implementation of Lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention, recently introduced by the Ministry of Health.
The training, conducted by the Uganda AIDS Commission in Moroto District, is aimed at equipping health communication officers and focal persons with the knowledge and skills needed to educate communities about the injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and how it works. Following the orientation, participants are expected to conduct radio talk shows and other community outreach activities in their respective districts to raise awareness about the new prevention option.
Once supplies of Lenacapavir arrive in the region, priority access will be given to populations considered at high risk of HIV infection, including commercial sex workers, miners, security personnel, and long-distance truck drivers. Health officials describe the drug as a highly effective HIV prevention tool for individuals who are HIV-negative.
Charles Otai, the Principal Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Uganda AIDS Commission, said the training is intended to strengthen the capacity of health educators and communication officers to design and disseminate accurate HIV prevention messages through available platforms, particularly local radio stations.
He noted that the withdrawal of some development partners that previously supported HIV/AIDS communication campaigns has created significant gaps in public awareness efforts. As a result, the commission is focusing on building sustainable local capacity to support HIV prevention and response initiatives.
Otai said the six-month injectable is already available in government health facilities, although supplies remain limited. He explained that the initial rollout will focus on vulnerable populations while the government works to secure additional doses to expand access to other groups. According to Otai, the injectable offers protection to HIV-negative individuals and has the potential to significantly reduce new HIV infections across the country once availability improves.
Moroto District HIV/AIDS Focal Person Charles Onyang Omudu said access to HIV services remains a challenge in Karamoja because many communities are located far from health facilities, limiting access to testing, prevention services, and counselling.
He identified the rapidly expanding mining sector as one of the key drivers of HIV transmission in the region, citing widespread transactional and commercial sex activities around mining sites. Other high-risk groups include boda boda riders, long-distance drivers, and individuals involved in multiple sexual partnerships.
Omudu said HIV prevention uptake remains low in many communities and called for intensified efforts to address existing gaps. He expressed optimism that the introduction of Lenacapavir would strengthen prevention efforts by providing a more convenient option for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
He emphasised that the injectable is not intended for people already living with HIV, but rather for those who are HIV-negative and seeking protection from infection. Before receiving the injection, eligible individuals take oral PrEP medication for a short period, after which the injectable is administered every six months.
According to Omudu, the long-acting injection could improve adherence to HIV prevention measures by eliminating the burden and stigma associated with taking daily pills. As preparations for the rollout continue, district HIV focal persons and health educators are expected to use radio programmes and other communication platforms to increase public awareness and encourage uptake of HIV prevention services across the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
