Hot FM 101.6 Amolatar The People's Voice
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Uganda is set to take significant strides in the global fight against HIV, as the Ministry of Health (MOH) sets its sights on integrating new, cutting-edge prevention methods into the country’s National HIV Combination Prevention Strategy.
With the aim of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, these advancements come at a critical time in Uganda’s ongoing battle against HIV, where the stakes remain high despite notable progress.
According to UNAIDS, Uganda’s HIV prevalence rate currently stands at 5.5% among adults aged 15-49 years, with an estimated 38,000 new infections reported in 2023.
Although these figures highlight the effectiveness of existing interventions, they also underscore the urgency of introducing more innovative and accessible prevention strategies to curb the epidemic.
Among the new products on the horizon, Lenacapavir, a promising injectable form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), could mark a turning point in HIV prevention efforts.
Lenacapavir, currently under review, has shown remarkable potential in clinical trials.
The PURPOSE 1 trial, conducted by Gilead Sciences and involving over 5,000 participants from Uganda and South Africa, revealed that the injectable PrEP was 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission among women and adolescent girls.
This breakthrough product, if approved, could significantly reduce the burden of daily oral PrEP, which, while effective, has been challenging for many individuals to adhere to consistently.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the transformative impact Lenacapavir could have on Uganda’s healthcare system.
“Lenacapavir could be a game-changer in our fight against HIV. It offers a long-acting solution that not only reduces the stigma often associated with daily medication but also eases the strain on our healthcare infrastructure,” she stated.However, while the approval process for Lenacapavir continues, the Ministry is not standing still.
Oral PrEP remains a cornerstone of the country’s prevention strategy, with over 700,000 individuals at significant risk of HIV infection receiving this medication across 635 health facilities.
In addition to this, the Ministry has introduced the dapivirine vaginal ring, a flexible device offering month-long protection against HIV during vaginal sex.
Currently, the PrEP ring is available at seven public health facilities, including Mbarara Municipal Health Centre IV, Bufunda Health Centre III, and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, among others.
The rollout of the PrEP ring has been made possible through the support of the PEPFAR/USAID MOSAIC project.
Looking ahead, Uganda is also preparing to introduce CAB-LA, a 2-monthly injectable form of PrEP.
This product will be available in the same seven health facilities currently offering the PrEP ring by the end of September 2024.
Additionally, four more facilities will begin offering CAB-LA by February 2025, with support from the Global Fund.
The introduction of these new PrEP products is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to expanding access to HIV prevention methods, particularly for marginalized populations.
Dr. Atwine reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to this mission, stating, “Our goal is to make these life-saving products available to all who need them, and we will not rest until we have ended HIV as a public health threat by 2030.”
Uganda’s proactive approach in adopting these new prevention tools not only reflects its commitment to combating HIV but also positions the country as a leader in the global effort to end AIDS.
